Jen Miller
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Career Journey

Career Resources

The wildlife on our planet need dedicated, innovative conservationists like you now more than ever. I'm grateful that you're joining us! Below are some career tips based on my career path. May your career journey lead you to adventure and impact!
  • Conservation Career Resources (PDF)
  • Video on Jen's career path and career advice, including 8 tips for a successful career and 10 things to know about working for a conservation NGO
  • Tips on information interviews (PDF)
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Credit: Jen Miller.
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At the 2019 SCB International Congress for Conservation Biology in Malaysia. Credit: Sahas Barve.

Professional Societies

Joining a professional society helps with networking, job opportunities and professional growth - plus, it's just plain fun. I highly recommend joining the Society of Conservation Biology (SCB) professional community. I've been a member since 2010 and served as a board member of the Asia Section (2017-2020). SCB consists of a diverse community of cross-disciplinary scientists and practitioners working on threatened species and high-profile issues around the world. Conferences offer a supportive, inclusive environment where early career conservationists can obtain travel funding, speaking opportunities, mentoring and the open-minded perspective that SCB members bring to advancing conservation.

Applying to Grad School

Let's face it: applying to grad school is hard. Below is an overview of the process that helped me gain acceptance into the PhD program at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies in 2009. This advice is tailored particularly for international students who may not be familiar with the US system of schooling and communication. Most importantly, believe in yourself - you can do this!

Disclaimer: My experience is now dated so be sure to search online and ask around for other, updated suggestions and perspectives, especially about visas and funding.
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Jen's tips on how to apply to graduate school (PDF)

Advice from others:
  • Advice for Grad Students - Practical reflections from Dr. Brashares at UC Berkeley ESPM
  • Some Modest Advice for Graduate Students - Motivation from Dr. Sterns at Yale EEB to take with a grain of salt
  • Reply to Sterns: Some Acynical Advice for Graduate Students - More (positive) advice from Dr. Huey
  • The Graduate School Essay I Wish I Had Written - A sample application essay by Dr. Thomson at the Claremont Colleges
  • Professor Singer's Advice to Prospective Students - General tips from a professor at the University of Texas
  • Sell Yourself: Guidance for Developing Your Personal Statement for Graduate School Applications - Tricks on writing your application essays and representing yourself well
  • Statement of Purpose Guidelines - Quick guidelines for writing a strong Statement of Purpose by Anthony O. Okobi
  • Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School - Things to do and not to do and sample application essays by Pat Sokolove
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Bird watching in agriculture also means papaya gathering! Searching for seed-finches In the South Rupununi, Guyana. Credit: Emily Horton.
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  • Media
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  • Career Journey