Career Path Resources
Finding your way into and growing in non-traditional careers can seem like a mystery. We're here to help you find your way.
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Recommended Reading
No matter who you are, learning starts with the basics - and those basics are most often found in books. Here are some highly recommended books to help you get started and dig into a variety of topics.
2
The AMLAZ Program
Advancing Minority Leadership in Aquariums and Zoos
A multi-faceted, 8-month, professional development program mid-level managers who are MIAZS members. Launched in 2023 by MIAZS, in partnership with Leadby and generous sponsorship from Canopy Strategic Partners.
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MIAZS Webinars & Presentations
MIAZS webinars and conference presentations are housed at animalprofessional.com under Member Content. As we develop more content, we will be continually adding to this site. If you have suggestions for future webinars, please send us an email through the link below.
Login to animalporfessional.com here to access MIAZS materials
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The Kraken Curriculum
A case study
The Kraken Curriculum has been cultivated by aquarium professionals to provide a guide for all aquatic animal care professionals to use for professional development. It is a collection of resources from past conferences, published works, and other online resources categorized and organized in a sequence intended to provide the most effective professional development experience.
Go to the Kraken
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AZA Aquarium Affairs Professional Development List
The Aquarium Affairs Committee of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has compiled a list of aquarium related professional development offerings.
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Aquarium and Zoo Opportunities
Volunteer, Internship, & Seasonal
Many aquariums and zoos offer volunteer, internship, and seasonal employment opportunities. Most husbandry internships are currently unpaid positions, and MIAZS is working to shift this cultural norm of unpaid internships to make opportunities for passionate individuals to gain relevant experience more equitable. Below is a link to an Internship & Seasonal Master List created and maintained by Matt Day - it is posted here with his permission.
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Links to Academic Programs
for Aquarium & Zoo Science
These academic programs can provide aspiring husbandry professionals with job-specific skills and experience employers look for when hiring entry-level aquarists or zookeepers.
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AZA Network
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has a number of open Communities in the AZA Network on a variety of topics, taxa, and projects. AZA membership is not required to join open Communities.
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Sample Interview Questions
It's hard to know how to prepare for an interview. Here is a sampling of interview questions from a variety of aquarium and zoo science facilities and fields for you to review and practice interview skills.