#bc its uuuhhhh bullshit!

[linddzz]

Zoos/Aquariums: we need to have another discussion on the lack of diversity in the field. Why on earth do we only get upper middle class privileged white people?

Zoos/Aquariums: 4 year degree requirements common

Zoos/Aquariums: unpaid internships with no housing provided

Zoos/Aquariums: also hold high standard for applications for unpaid no housing internships

Zoos/Aquariums: we won't say a few years of intern and volunteer work is required for a job but good fucking luck getting one without it

Zoos/Aquariums: anyway we really need to do something about this diversity problem

#hi the zoo stopped offering housing for interns #after raising standards for intern #which that part is good bc we want people who are legit interested coming in for it! but holy shit they raised the standards #then lowered benefits! and now wonder why interns who are set to start next week are needing to drop out! #its so exploitative! #i hate telling young excited teens and college kids what they need to do to get in this field #bc its uuuhhhh bullshit! #im all for like #raising entry requirements since the job is having a lot more science focus #and our zoo even pays keepers better than most places #but its still not great pay after a lot of working for free #i love my job its very fulfilling #but im not blind to how messed up the field is when it comes to getting into it #people ask how i got in and im like #'well kiddo i has super supportive parents who let me live with them while i worked a full time job and also volunteered my weekend #and did this for years until the curator at the place i volunteered knew who i was and put in a good word for me' #'oh also tho my full time job was related to the field bc it was a reef hobby shop and that gave me niche coral care knowledge #which gave me a specialization edge #people i know who got a job quickly were just in the right place at the right time'