What’s something in your thinking that has changed over time?
Ask a Biologist Monday 7/14/25
Answers from Biologists:
My end goal was to be a federal biologist, I made it but current political climate, is it worth it?
That going to multiple conferences a year was important for your career.
Maybe a permanent position with a company isn’t what I want out of a career.
Land acknowledgements are great but they are not enough to make up for past wrongs.
Consulting is actually a great career option, not terrible like people make it out to be.
Federal jobs have the most security.
I wouldn’t feel as much fulfillment working in science support (admin). I do!
Taking work home to catch up. Leave that shit at home. It never ends.
Prioritization of tasks/projects doesn’t mean you’re neglecting the species you work with.
Do anything to get that invasive plant. No. Don’t get yourself killed to get one plant.
I was going to spend most of my time outside. Spent more time writing reports.
A good field lead is a person that is willing to listen to their crews ideas and opinions.
That loving my career would make up for a low salary (news flash, it doesn’t).
It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
More experience doesn’t mean they can be a good leader.
I’ve been sorely disappointed to learn that many big name (often male) scientists are jerks.
I use to work myself ragged to protect the resource. Now I aim for fair treatment and balance.
That I had to go to a big name, expensive school to be successful. Not true.
Agencies cannot be effective if they’re not reading and publishing peer reviewed papers.
The need for a Master’s degree.
Making mistakes/not knowing certain things doesn’t make you a bad biologist.
It doesn’t have to be my whole life/identity.
I thought policy or desk work was boring and “selling out”.
That a gap in my resume was bad. No one notices or cares.
I now prefer office work over field work.
That I have to endure unreasonable fieldwork schedules. Boundaries and crucial.
The most experienced person should always get the job. Actually fresh ideas are better.
Satellite technology has increased safety in most areas. Your employer should be offering you a beacon.
Leaving a toxic job will harm your career. Leave it. Save yourself. Get a better job.
I’ve found that working with big name species is actually pretty awful a lot of the time.
Well known researchers can make pretty awful advisors. Talk to their past students.