Ashley Nielsen

IDSC Spring 2016

4/7/2016

Even as a child I have known that I wanted to work with animals and help them in any
way I could. My goal is to work in animal conservation with a conservation agency doing handson conservation and public outreach. I could also use my interdisciplinary degree to become a
game warden, if no positions in conservation are available. This career will allow me to work
hands on with animals who are deemed endangered and create specific plans on how we can
sustain the populations without compromising future generations ability to do the same. For this
career I will need to be able to bring different companies and organizations together to
collectively create a plan that is sustainable for the wildlife that is in question. According to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelors degree in forestry or related field is required to obtain
a position as a conservationist. (www.bls.gov). I believe that a combination of studies in Biology,
Sustainability, and Business will help me achieve this goal.
Biology is the first emphasis I have decided to pursue. I worked in a vet clinic for the first
two years at Auburn and I loved it. Working with animals has always been a passion of mine and
I want to continue doing that for the rest of my career. Having a focus in Biology will help me
understand the processes that impact different animals and how to solve problems with a
scientific background. Coursework in Vertebrate Biodiversity will give me knowledge of the
animals I might encounter as a conservation biologist. I also believe courses such as
Conservation Biology and Ecology will give me the knowledge needed to meet the requirements
for this career.
Sustainability is vital in conservation efforts and a crucial aspect of my study plan.
Sustainability and conservation go hand in hand and are necessary to protect wildlife. The course
Animals in Society has taught me how people view animals and how important they are to us in

Ashley Nielsen
IDSC Spring 2016
4/7/2016

everyday life. I am currently enrolled in the Introduction to Sustainability course and love it. I
plan on taking Environmental Services to learn about how people and ecosystems interact, this
information will be useful in any conservation career. Ecotourism is also a course I plan on
taking to give me a better understanding of human interactions in wildlife. The knowledge that I
obtain from this minor will allow me to create comprehensive plans that are both helpful to
wildlife conservation and sustainability
Business is the final piece of my study plan because conservation effects many different
types of business. I am currently working as an Assistant General Manager of a Zaxbys. This
experience has taught me how to speak to the public and to manage people, while also teaching
me business strategy and how to lead and work in a team. Working as a manager for the past four
years has also taught me to be a self-starter and how to accomplish tasks efficiently and
effectively to complete a bigger goal. Understanding how businesses conduct themselves will
allow me to create a bridge in order to create solutions that will be both environmental and
economical.
After speaking with Ms. Donna Lee Crawford, a conservationist who has a degree in
Recreation, I believe these emphases will allow me to obtain a career in wildlife conservation.
She works as the Community Stewardship Coordinator for the Sea Turtle Conservancy at Barrier
Island Sanctuary. Her position allows her to work hands on with wildlife and she coordinates
with local businesses to raise awareness for the conservancys cause. Biology, Sustainability, and
Business all come together to create a major that will allow me to create cohesive and
interdisciplinary solutions to real problems in animal conservation.