As part of our review of different careers, we take a look at how to become a zoologist. We also take a look at what a zoologist does and what skills and attributes are required to be a zoologist.
What Does a Zoologist Do?
A Zoologist studies and observes animals to discover more about them. They observe them both in their natural habitat and in a laboratory setting in order to help us learn more about their origin, behaviour, evolution and how they interact with their environment.
As a zoologist you would usually specialise in either ecology, herpetology, entomology, parasitology or paleozoology and would work in any of a wide range of areas including animal welfare and education, disease and pest control, conserving endangered habitats and species or developing new drugs.
Day to day as a zoologist, your tasks might include conducting laboratory and field research, observing animals in either their natural environment or in captivity, identifying, recording and monitoring species, gathering and interpreting information, giving presentations and publishing information in journals and producing detailed reports.
Your working hours as a zoologist will depend entirely on your specific job. For example, it might be primarily office hours but if you are studying nocturnal animals for a period of time then you will have to work nights.
Is Becoming a Zoologist Right For Me?
Becoming a zoologist is a great career for anyone who has a love of animals and a scientific mind. The following skills and attributes are required to become a zoologist.
- Practical and problem-solving skills
- The ability to concentrate for long periods of time
- An aptitude for science
- The ability to work well as part of a team
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent IT skills
- The ability to write highly accurate and detailed reports
How Much Can a Zoologist Earn?
After qualifying a zoologist will earn between £20,000 and £25,000 a year and this will typically rise to anywhere between £25,000 and £35,000 a year.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Become a Zoologist?
To become a zoologist you will need a degree in a subject such as zoology, animal ecology or animal behaviour and conservation. Science is a highly important subject that will enable you to get a place on the degree course and it is recommended that you take subjects such as biology and chemistry at GCSE and A-Level.
