Want One of These Animal-centered Jobs? How Are Your People Skills?

August 12, 2015Posted inAll articles, Career options

Owl with Speech BubbleBy Paula Fitzsimmons

It seems counter-intuitive that a job involving animals would require good people skills. The reality is that regardless of which animal-centered career path you choose (or heck, with anything in life), you’ll likely need to work with people. Even if it’s just on a limited basis.

This can be a little daunting for those of us who want to work for or with animals. Why do I say that? Because I believe most of us “animal people” tend to be on the independent side. I don’t have any studies to back this up; it’s just a sense I’ve gotten from being around other advocates. And there’s nothing wrong with that . . . everyone is wired differently. I’m an introvert, by the way.

Do You Have What it Takes to Work for a Parrot Rescue Organization? An Interview With Foster Parrots

August 8, 2015Posted inAll articles, Experts & interviews, Featured articles2 Comments

Parrot RescueBy Paula Fitzsimmons with Karen Windsor

Do you think you have what it takes to snag that dream job at an animal shelter or welfare organization? A lot of people want to work with animals, but it takes a special person – one with the right skills, level of commitment, passion, and attitude – to land the job.

To help you gain insights into what these organizations look for in applicants, I’m conducting a series of interviews with managers from an assortment of animal advocacy groups.

No Degree? No Problem! Find a Job in Animal Advocacy Without College

August 3, 2015Posted inAll articles, Career options, Featured articles24 Comments

Owl_Degree

By Paula Fitzsimmons

You have your heart set on working as an animal advocate, but may believe your lack of college credentials will hold you back. A traditional college degree isn’t ideal for everyone – and even if you do want to go, it could be that you can’t swing the tuition right now.

Luckily there are jobs involving animals that you can find in an assortment of fields . . . including those below. You will need at least a high school diploma, and depending on the position, you may need experience, excellent interpersonal skills, and perhaps a few college-level courses or training. (Read my article, “10 Free & Low Cost Career-Boosting Courses & Training Opportunities for Animal Advocates” for resource ideas.)

What Cecil the Lion’s Tragic Death Can Teach Us About Passion – in Activism & Career

July 29, 2015Posted inAll articles, Inspiration & ideas

African Lion with quoteBy Paula Fitzsimmons

The tragic death of Cecil, the lion killed outside of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park has sparked outrage. And rightly so. Trophy hunting – the killing of an animal for the sake of “sport” – is despicable in its own right. What adds to this fury is that Cecil was apparently beloved, and according to National Geographic, one of the region’s best known and most studied lions. And with fewer than 21,000 lions remaining in Africa (according to African Wildlife Foundation) how can trophy hunting even be justified?

How Volunteering Can Help Your Animal-Centered Career – And Where to Find the Best Opportunities

July 27, 2015Posted inAll articles, Featured articles, Tools for success2 Comments

Tropical green birdBy Paula Fitzsimmons

Volunteering with an animal welfare organization or rescue may not yield a paycheck, but it can offer a host of other benefits. From meeting people who can very well introduce you to your next employer (or be your next employer) to learning valuable skills, giving your time to a nonprofit charity can help build your career – and enhance your personal life.

10 Free & Low Cost Career-Boosting Courses & Training Opportunities for Animal Advocates

July 20, 2015Posted inAll articles, Featured articles, Slider, Tools for success

10 Free & Low Cost Courses & Training Opportunities for Animal AdvocatesBy Paula Fitzsimmons

We can all benefit from learning new skills and exploring new ideas, regardless of where we’re at in our careers. The opportunities below aren’t a replacement for formal education and training, but they can certainly enhance it in different ways.

They can help give you an edge when applying for a job or seeking a promotion . . . showing potential and current employers that you take the initiative to learn on your own.

Legitimate Telecommute Jobs for Animal Advocates Really Do Exist – Do You Know Where to Find Them?

July 13, 2015Posted inAll articles, Featured articles, Slider, Tools for success4 Comments

Elephant Telecommuting
By Paula Fitzsimmons

It wasn’t too long ago that the term Work from Home was synonymous with scam. Back in the 1970s, and even into the 1990s, those of us hoping to take advantage of flexible schedules were met with the same level of gimmicky advertising seen today. Perhaps not as sophisticated or widely circulated as modern ads, but still on the same level as too-good-to-be-true.

Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty About Getting Paid to Help Animals

June 29, 2015Posted inAll articles, Inspiration & ideas

Tree with Bunny Rabbit & BluebirdBy Paula Fitzsimmons

Have you ever noticed how some people bristle at the idea of a nonprofit worker getting paid a salary? As if dedicating one’s life to animals, the environment, or some other worthy charitable cause means the work should be done strictly on a volunteer basis.

It’s not as if people who work for animal charities are motivated by greed and profit. Like anyone else, they just want to be able to earn a living. Most of us have expenses, and unless you’re the rare recipient of a lavish trust fund, I’ll assume you do, too.

So why do some feel the need to begrudge charity workers?

5 Animal Welfare Organizations With Amazing Employee Benefits

June 18, 2015Posted inAll articles, Featured articles, Tools for success

Blackboard with owl, employee benefitsBy Paula Fitzsimmons

Companies have traditionally offered benefits and perks as a way to attract and keep top employees. From decent health benefits and pension funds to daycare and paid leave, a good benefits package can add value – from hundreds to even thousands of dollars – to your pay per year.

It’s not just for-profit businesses who are taking care of their employees. Several nonprofit organizations, including those who advocate for animals and the environment, tout benefits that are just as attractive – and in some cases even more so – than their corporate counterparts. (Think of how much you can save with a deeply-discounted health plan for your animal companion, for instance.)