Page Purpose
To become a facility director, 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
Study Topics:
- Career exploration
- Identifying interests and strengths
- Researching different career options
Actions:
- Attend career fairs and guidance counselling sessions at school
- Participate in workshops or seminars on career planning
- Use online resources and career assessment tools to explore various career paths
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 2: Research All Possible Careers
Study Topics:
- Roles and responsibilities in animal-related fields
- Educational requirements for different careers
- Industry trends and job prospects
Actions:
- Conduct online research and read articles, books, and industry publications
Interview professionals working in animal-related fields to learn about their career paths - Attend informational sessions or webinars hosted by professional associations
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 3: Explore Educational Paths
Study Topics:
- Bachelor’s degree programmes in relevant fields
- Course offerings and curriculum requirements
- Academic prerequisites and admission processes
Actions:
- Research colleges and universities offering programmes in biology, zoology, environmental science, or business management
- Schedule campus visits and meet with admissions counsellors
- Explore online resources and university websites for programme information
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 4: Align High School Subjects with the Educational Path
Study Topics:
- Science (biology, chemistry)
- Mathematics (algebra, geometry, statistics)
- Environmental science
- Business studies
Actions:
- Enrol in advanced placement (AP) or honours courses in science and mathematics
- Participate in science clubs or extracurricular activities related to environmental conservation or business management
- Seek guidance from teachers or academic advisors on course selection
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 5: Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Study Topics:
- Completing required coursework and credits
- Meeting graduation requirements
- Standardised testing (SAT/ACT)
Actions:
- Maintain good academic standing and attend classes regularly
- Seek assistance from teachers or tutors if needed to improve grades or performance
- Prepare for standardised tests by studying with prep books, online resources, or prep courses
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 6: Learn About Animals
Study Topics:
- Animal biology and physiology
- Animal behaviour and ecology
- Wildlife conservation
Actions:
- Visit zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries to observe animals in their habitats
- Read books, watch documentaries, and attend lectures on animal-related topics
- Volunteer at local animal shelters or wildlife rehabilitation centres to gain hands-on experience
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 7: Align Post-School Path
Study Topics:
- Career planning and goal setting
- Higher education options (college, vocational training)
- Entrepreneurship and business development
Actions:
- Research different pathways and consider factors such as personal interests, financial considerations, and long-term goals
- Seek guidance from mentors, career counsellors, or family members
- Explore internship or job shadowing opportunities to gain insight into different career paths
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 8: Gain Experience
Study Topics:
- Professional development and networking
- Transferable skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving)
- Learning from mentors and experienced professionals
Actions:
- Volunteer at animal-related organisations or participate in internships during summer breaks or weekends
- Reach out to professionals in the field for mentorship opportunities or informational interviews
- Join youth programmes or clubs focused on conservation, animal welfare, or environmental stewardship
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 9: Pursue Extracurricular Activities
Study Topics:
- Leadership development
- Community service and engagement
- Teamwork and collaboration
Actions:
- Participate in extracurricular activities such as student government, sports teams, or environmental clubs
- Take on leadership roles within clubs or organisations to develop leadership skills and demonstrate initiative
- Plan and organise community service projects related to animal welfare or environmental conservation
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 10: Join Professional Associations
Study Topics:
- Industry trends and developments
- Networking and professional connections
- Continuing education and career advancement opportunities
Actions:
- Research professional associations relevant to the field of interest, such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) or the International Association of Zookeepers (IAZ)
- Attend conferences, workshops, and networking events hosted by professional associations
- Join student chapters or youth programmes offered by professional associations to connect with peers and mentors
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 11: Gain Specialized Skills
Study Topics:
- Leadership and management skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Project management and problem-solving skills
Actions:
- Take elective courses or workshops focused on leadership development, communication skills, and project management
- Seek out opportunities to lead group projects, organise events, or collaborate with peers on initiatives
- Participate in skill-building activities such as public speaking competitions, debate clubs, or entrepreneurship challenges
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 12: Network with Professionals
Study Topics:
- Professional etiquette and networking strategies
- Building and maintaining professional relationships
- Leveraging social media and online platforms for networking
Actions:
- Attend industry events, conferences, and career fairs to meet professionals in the field
- Join online forums, LinkedIn groups, or professional networking sites to connect with professionals and participate in discussions
- Reach out to alumni or contacts in the industry for informational interviews or mentorship opportunities
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 13: Enter the Job Market, Finish Tertiary Studies, or Launch a Business
Study Topics:
- Job search strategies and application techniques
- Interview preparation and resume writing
- Entrepreneurship and business planning
Actions:
- Develop a professional resume and cover letter highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments
- Utilise online job boards, career websites, and networking connections to explore job opportunities
- Consider pursuing higher education or vocational training if necessary to further develop skills and qualifications
Possible OZT Links: .
Step 14: Stay Updated and Pursue Continuing Education
Study Topics:
- Lifelong learning and professional development
- Continuing education opportunities
- Industry trends and advancements
Actions:
- Stay informed about industry news, research findings, and emerging trends through online publications, journals, and professional associations
- Pursue continuing education courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance skills and stay current with best practices in the field
- Network with peers and professionals to share knowledge and experiences and seek out mentorship or guidance as needed
Possible OZT Links: .
By following this comprehensive curriculum, high school students can acquire the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to pursue a successful career as a director in an animal-related field.
