8 replies to this topic

[Antsy]

I’m looking into going into myrmecology but I’m worried not a lot a jobs or schools will be offered. What are some helpful tips from anyone with experience

[Hazzbeen]

Hey Antsy Where are you located? I'm a college student in Southern California and there are a few schools near me that offer a few entomology degree paths.

 

As far as jobs offered you would have to be very proactive I feel in order to get something in myrmecology specifically.

 

I would start looking at schools in your area that offer what you want and then pursue your goal. Look at the course catalogue for the colleges you pick and see if they offer a program you're interested in.

 

I often suggest to that people instead of trying to develop the perfect plan before they start, to just start and let your perfect plan develop with you. <--- (not with everything)

 

As you progress you will meet people with the same interests, that leads to good networking, that will lead you to the jobs and careers you may enjoy.

[AnthonyMarkman]

You can go to college to become an Entomologist that specializes in ants.   A lot of the jobs would have to do with ant pest control.  You can go for a Ph.D. and if you are good and lucky you can do research on ant biodiversity in ecosystems.  In order to do that type of research though you have to get outside funding. 

 

 

Ok, you asked for advice.  Go to college and get a Bachelor's degree in Biology or Entomology.  Get good grades.  Apply for graduate school at a college that has entomologists that study ants and work on your master's degree.  Get a major adviser for the Master's that studies ants and do research on ants yourself.  Join the Entomological Society of America and attend the national and branch meetings and attend as many presentations on ants as possible.  Then do the same for your Ph.D. possibly at a different university.  Network with as many ant scientists as possible.  When you graduate, apply for a job at a university or Government agency where you can do research on ants.  One possibility is the USDA/ARS CMAVE lab in Gainesville, Florida.

Edited by AnthonyMarkman, November 27 2017 - 7:11 PM.

[Antsy]

You can go to college to become an Entomologist that specializes in ants. A lot of the jobs would have to do with ant pest control. You can go for a Ph.D. and if you are good and lucky you can do research on ant biodiversity in ecosystems. In order to do that type of research though you have to get outside funding.


Ok, you asked for advice. Go to college and get a Bachelor's degree in Biology or Entomology. Get good grades. Apply for graduate school at a college that has entomologists that study ants and work on your master's degree. Get a major adviser for the Master's that studies ants and do research on ants yourself. Join the Entomological Society of America and attend the national and branch meetings and attend as many presentations on ants as possible. Then do the same for your Ph.D. possibly at a different university. Network with as many ant scientists as possible. When you graduate, apply for a job at a university or Government agency where you can do research on ants. One possibility is the USDA/ARS CMAVE lab in Gainesville, Florida.

gee you seem to have some experience

Edited by Antsy, November 28 2017 - 3:33 PM.

[AnthonyMarkman]

How far are you along in your education Antsy?

[Antsy]

I’ll admit I’m pretty young I’m in my last year of middle school but my school says to start planning ahead. I have done lots of research and I’m positive this is what I want to do.

Edited by Antsy, November 28 2017 - 3:43 PM.

[Zeiss]

I'm currently going to college for entomology.  It isn't the most popular major, but there is definitely a need for it in the world.  I am going for a position in the USAF as a medical entomologist, but there are other options: agriculture, pesticide, pest control, research, private work, etc.  

[Antsy]

I'm currently going to college for entomology.  It isn't the most popular major, but there is definitely a need for it in the world.  I am going for a position in the USAF as a medical entomologist, but there are other options: agriculture, pesticide, pest control, research, private work, etc.

That’s really cool Zeiss glad you can make a difference

[AnthonyMarkman]

Zeiss, I had a friend that got a Master's Degree in Entomology and went into the Navy.  Because he had a Master's degree he went through training and started out as a Captain.  He loved it.  Antsy, the military is an option.  Put 20 years in and retire and you are still young enough to have a second career.  Plus you would have all kinds of benefits, home loans GI bill, V.A. Healthcare, they'll pay for college, etc.

 

If you are going to go for advanced degrees in Entomology, you absolutely have to get excellent grades. 

 

Antsy, do you have a large University near your home?  If so, look at their website to fine out who specializes in Entomology/ants.  Call or email them and tell them you want to be an entomologist that specializes in ants.  Ask if you can tour their department and research facilities.

Edited by AnthonyMarkman, November 29 2017 - 8:17 AM.