Answer to Question 1Agricultural education teachers can move into larger, multiple-teacher departments, become master
teachers or teacher leaders, accept a wide variety of positions in administration, or become an area or state
agriculture consultant or resource specialist, county agriscience supervisor, or university agricultural educator.
Advancement usually requires years of experience and additional education and degrees.
Pet care workers advance by becoming supervisors in large animal hospitals, kennels, or pet shops. Some
experienced workers start their own kennels or pet shops. Pet care workers can increase their earnings by
developing skills in special fields such as grooming, training, or breeding animals
Zookeepers who have a great deal of experience may advance to positions such as head keepers. The
employment outlook for animal caretakers is good because zoos are becoming more popular.
Most establishments have a small staff of animal trainers, which means that the opportunities for advancement
are limited; the progression is from animal keeper to animal trainer. A trainer who directs or supervises
may be designated head animal trainer or senior animal trainer.
Some animal trainers go into business for themselves and, if successful, hire other trainers to work for
them. Others become agents for animal acts.
Pet groomers who work for other people may advance to more responsible positions, such as office manager
or dog trainer. Dog groomers who open their own shops may become successful enough to expand or
open area franchises.
Veterinarians who are in private practice advance by expanding their practices and by developing a good
reputation in their communities. Some veterinarians who work for large organizations are promoted to supervisory
of management positions.
With experience and continuing education, veterinary technicians can expect to advance to greater levels
of responsibility. In some settings, this simply means performing more difficult or sophisticated procedures,
or it could mean that the technicians take on supervisory or other administrative responsibilities.
There are many possibilities for advancement in the field of biology, especially for those who have a doctorate
degree. Job opportunities for biologists continue to increase as fast as average although competition will
be stiff for some positions. Biologists with an advanced degree will be best qualified for the most lucrative and
challenging jobs, although this varies by specialty, with genetic, cellular, and biochemical research showing
the most promise.
Answer to Question 2Those interested in a career in agricultural education should take classes in animal science/biology, veterinary
medicine, environmental science, plant science/biology/horticulture, floral design, agriculture mechanics, electricity,
robotics, aquaculture, crop science, welding, and biotechnology. Memberships in FFA and 4-H are helpful.
Students interested in pet care worker positions should have some experience with animals, and knowing
the needs and habits of animals is an asset.
Zookeepers can gain experience working with animals by getting a job with a local veterinarian, pet shop,
or animal shelter.
Most trainers begin their careers as keepers and gain on-the-job experience in evaluating the disposition,
intelligence, and trainability of the animals they look after. At the same time, they learn to develop a rapport
with the animals. Although previous training experience may give job applicants an advantage in being hired,
they still will be expected to spend time caring for animals before advancing to positions as trainers.
Part-time or volunteer work in animal shelters, pet shops, or veterinary offices offers would-be trainers a
chance to become accustomed to working with animals and to discover whether they have the aptitude for
it. Experience can be acquired in summer jobs as caretakers at zoos, aquariums, museums that feature live
animal shows, and amusement parks. For those with a special interest in horses, racing or riding stables can
provide experience.
Pet groomers can obtain experience by working in pet shops and kennels.
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