The Freedom of Flexibility: Customize Your Own Animal Welfare Career

March 23, 2016Posted inAll articles, Career options, Featured articles

Tree with butterflies - customize your own animal welfare career

By Paula Fitzsimmons

Like it or not, we’ve entered a new economy. Today’s workforce looks different than it did a decade ago – and remotely resembles the one-career-for-life model of the pre-1990s. An increasing number of workers are cobbling together part-time jobs, freelance gigs, and small business ventures in order to eke out a full-time living.

Reach Out to Potential Employers with a Letter of Introduction

March 15, 2016Posted inAll articles, How-to succeed, Tools for success

Letter of introduction - Use LOI to find animal welfare job

By Paula Fitzsimmons

Searching for a solid way to reach out to potential employers? Consider sending a letter of introduction. As a freelance writer, I use LOIs to reach out to editors and clients, and ultimately land paying gigs. They’re an essential part of the professional freelancer’s arsenal, but they can also be used to land a job in just about any field, including animal welfare and care.

Fun Career-Boosting Ideas to Try This Summer

January 20, 2016Posted inAll articles, How-to succeed, Tools for success

Summer plans for animal loversBy Paula Fitzsimmons

It’s the middle of winter. Which makes it the perfect time to start shaping up your summer plans. Whether you’re a student, career changer, or are already working in the field, summertime is the ideal time to pick up a new skill or credential.

Look at the following for ideas on making the most of your summer – both personally and professionally.

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.

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?