How to Become a Zoologist?
Discover how to become a Zoologist, the steps involved, eligibility, skills required, job roles, career opportunities, and top colleges offering courses in Zoology
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Zoologist
"To understand the animal kingdom is to understand the heart of our planet."
A Zoologist may focus on a specific species or a broader range of organisms throughout their career. They can work in zoos, studying animals in their natural habitat or in captivity, and may be involved in animal care, experimental design, and educational resources for staff and visitors. Some supervise wildlife reserves, conduct behavioral research, or work in laboratories examining physiological traits. Additionally, zoologists can teach at academic institutions, where they lecture, conduct research, and publish findings. Contrary to popular belief, not all zookeepers work outdoors with animals.
Steps to Become a Zoologist:
Step-1
Take biology, chemistry, and physics to build a strong foundation in science.
Step-2
Obtain a Bachelor’s in Zoology, Wildlife Biology, or a related field, ensuring the program includes fieldwork and research opportunities.
Step-3
Volunteer at wildlife sanctuaries, zoos, or conservation projects to gain practical experience.
Step-4
Seek internships with research institutions for further exposure to the field.
Step-5
Consider a Master’s in Zoology or Ecology to specialize in areas like marine biology or animal behavior.
Step-6
Gain research experience and publish findings in scientific journals to enhance credibility.
Step-7
If aiming for academia or advanced research, consider a Ph.D. to lead projects and teach at the university level, while staying updated through certifications and conferences.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Must acquire a B.Sc or diploma in a recognized institution to become a Zoologist; this is a basic requirement for entry into the field. |
| Postgraduate Degree | An M.Sc in Zoology can enhance qualifications and provide opportunities for advanced learning and specialization. |
| Entrance Exams | Should procure a valid score in entrance exams such as JEE-Main, KIITEE, SRMJEE, CEE, HITSEE, CET, etc. Colleges may have their own exams for admissions. |
- Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution in 12th, from any board PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.
- Should procure a valid score in entrance exams after 12th such as JEE-Main, KIITEE, SRMJEE, CEE, HITSEE, CET, etc.
- One must acquire a B.Sc or diploma in a recognized establishment to become a Zoologist. This is a basic qualification you must require to enroll in this line of work.
- An M.Sc in Zoology can also prove to be helpful while looking for a higher degree and extensive learning.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as a Zoologist:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Zoologists must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding of how animal bodies function and adapt. | Knowledge of ecosystems and interactions between organisms. |
| Insight into heredity, variation, and genetic makeup of species. | Familiarity with the classification of animals and their evolutionary relationships. |
| Study of animal behavior in natural and controlled environments. | Awareness of biodiversity conservation strategies and practices. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | Field Research |
| Data Analysis | Communication |
| Observation | Teamwork |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Zoologist.
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
The reason is that your interests don't align with this career. Identify your interests and match them with careers that require those skills. This alignment will help you grow and succeed in your career faster than you might expect!
Job roles offered for a Zoologist:
Once you have the qualifications to become a Zoologist, a variety of career paths open up:
Specializes in insect research, conducting both lab and fieldwork to study behavior and species. Their work aids in agriculture and public health by developing pest management strategies and understanding disease vectors.
Studies environmental impacts from urbanization, agriculture, and more. Ecologists contribute to conservation efforts and provide insights into sustainable practices through field research.
Focuses on aquatic ecosystems, monitoring and protecting marine species. They may manage wildlife reserves or conduct pharmacological research, producing scholarly publications on their findings.
Ensures healthy populations of wildlife, particularly in habitats at risk from overpopulation or environmental changes. Their role includes monitoring habitats and possibly relocating animals.
Analyzes market data to provide actionable insights for organizations. They work across various fields, including finance and advertising, requiring strong analytical and communication skills.
Not sure where you fit in?
With the wide variety of careers and job roles available, pinpointing the best option for you can be challenging. Thorough analysis and dedicated sessions can provide clarity on what to study, which industry and role to pursue, and the most suitable career path to follow.
Career Opportunities for a Zoologist:
Zoologists can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Cactus Communications | WSP in India | Tutorac Inc |
| FreeCo Education Private Limited | AIM4 NEET Institute | Central University of Kerala |
| Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College | PI Industries Ltd. | Rentokil Initial |
| Amity University |
Colleges offering courses for Zoologist:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| MSU Baroda - Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda | LPU Jalandhar - Lovely Professional University |
| Christ University, Bangalore | BHU Varanasi - Banaras Hindu University |
| DU Delhi - University of Delhi | AMU Aligarh - Aligarh Muslim University |
| BRAOU Hyderabad - Dr BR Ambedkar Open University | Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar |
End Note
Becoming a Zoologist is a rewarding journey that opens up countless opportunities to make a difference in the natural world. Whether you wish to study wildlife in remote jungles, work in a zoo, or contribute to scientific research, the world of zoology is filled with excitement and purpose. SetMyCareer is here to guide you through Career counselling after graduation at every step of your journey. Connect with our experts today to start planning your path toward an extraordinary career as a Zoologist!
In this Career Outline
Get In Touch
No. 14/595, 1st Floor, Nanjappa Reddy Layout, Koramangala 8th Block, Bangalore 560095