Page Purpose
To become an animal behaviour assessor, a high school student can focus on acquiring a well-rounded education that includes both academic knowledge and practical skills. Here are some possible topics and areas of study that can help bridge the gap between high school and this career:
REMEMBER!
This list is not necessarily the exact path to follow, as there are many factors that can influence your exact path, such as country, type of tertiary institution, and regulations. Please use it as a general study guide to start preparing.
Preparation Path - Study Guide
Step 1: Attend Career Guidance Sessions
Possible Study Topics:
- Introduction to Animal Behaviour, Careers in Animal Behaviour, and Educational Paths in Animal Behaviour.
Actions:
- Attend school career guidance sessions, research online resources, and attend webinars or workshops about animal careers.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 2: Research All Possible Careers
Possible Study Topics:
- Overview of Animal Behaviour Careers, Job Descriptions and Duties, Salary, and Job Outlook.
Actions:
- Research online resources, talk to professionals in the field, and read books and articles about animal careers.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 3: Explore Educational Paths
Possible Study Topics:
- Animal Behaviour Degrees, Required Courses, and Specialisations.
Actions:
- Research college and university programmes, talk to academic advisors, and visit campus open houses.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 4: Align High School Subjects with the Educational Path
Possible Study Topics:
- High School Courses in Biology, Psychology, Math, and English.
Actions:
- Take relevant high school courses, participate in extracurricular activities related to animal behaviour.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 5: Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Possible Study Topics:
- High School Graduation Requirements, Testing, and Exams.
Actions:
- Meet high school graduation requirements, study for, and take relevant standardised tests.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 6: Learn About Animals
Possible Study Topics:
- Animal Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Ethology.
Actions:
- Visit zoos and wildlife parks, volunteer at animal shelters, and observe animals in the wild.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 7: Align Post-School Path
Possible Study Topics:
- Career Pathways, Graduate School Options, Entrepreneurship.
Actions:
- Research job opportunities, explore graduate school programmes, and attend entrepreneurship workshops.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 8: Gain Experience
Possible Study Topics:
- Volunteer Opportunities, Internship Programmes, and Mentorship Programmes.
Actions:
- Search for volunteer opportunities, apply for internships, and reach out to professionals for mentorship.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 9: Pursue Extracurricular Activities
Possible Study Topics:
- Animal Clubs, Nature Conservation Organisations, and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres.
Actions:
- Join animal clubs at school, volunteer with environmental organisations, and participate in wildlife conservation projects.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 10: Join Professional Associations
Possible Study Topics:
- Animal Behaviour Societies, Networking Events, and Professional Certifications.
Actions:
- Join animal behaviour societies, attend networking events, and research professional certifications.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 11: Gain Specialized Skills
Possible Study Topics:
- Data Collection and Analysis, Animal Training Techniques, and Research Methods.
Actions:
- Take courses or workshops in specialised skills, gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteering.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 12: Network with Professionals
Possible Study Topics:
- Networking Strategies, Informational Interviews, Career Fairs.
Actions:
- Attend career fairs, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, conduct informational interviews.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 13: Enter the Job Market, Finish Tertiary Studies, or Launch a Business
Possible Study Topics:
- Job Search Strategies, Grad School Applications, Business Plan Development.
Actions:
- Apply for jobs or graduate school, seek advice from mentors, write a business plan if starting a business.
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 14: Stay Updated and Pursue Continuing Education
Possible Study Topics:
- Professional Development, Industry Trends, Continuing Education Opportunities.
Actions:
- Attend conferences or workshops, read industry publications, and take online courses in advanced topics.
Possible OZT Links: .
This curriculum is a general guideline and can be adapted based on individual interests, career goals, and available resources. High school students should consult with teachers, academic advisors, and professionals in the field of animal behaviour to create a personalised curriculum that best suits their aspirations.
