College Experiences Helped A Biology Project Manager At HELIX Environmental Planning Succeed
Katie's Cal Poly San Luis Obispo biology degree, particularly "the learn by doing aspect" of the senior project involving fieldwork like "kangaroo rat trapping and…mis netting for birds," provided invaluable real-world experience, allowing for career exploration and a pivot from kinesiology to a fulfilling career in wildlife and environmental work. This hands-on approach helped shape career aspirations and demonstrated the importance of experiential learning in undergraduate studies.
Career Exploration, Project Management, Field Research, Environmental Science, Hands-on Experience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Katie Duffield
Biology Project Manager
HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Biology & Related Sciences
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Hands-on experience is crucial: Katie emphasizes the value of her undergraduate senior project, which involved fieldwork like kangaroo rat trapping and bird netting. This provided firsthand experience of the realities of the job, allowing her to determine if she enjoyed the work before committing to a career.
2. Don't be afraid to change course: Katie initially planned to be a physical therapist but switched to wildlife and environmental work after gaining practical experience in college. This highlights the importance of exploring different fields and adapting your path as needed.
3. Real-world application in college: Katie's experience at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo demonstrates the value of college programs that incorporate practical, hands-on learning. This type of learning allows students to test their interests and skills in a controlled setting before entering the workforce.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I was a biology major with an emphasis in field and wildlife and marine biology, but mostly field and wildlife. I went to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and part of that program involved a senior project.
I assisted with some ongoing kangaroo rat trapping, did a lot of different surveys, and helped with mist netting for birds. I really think the "learn by doing" aspect was valuable.
At Cal Poly, you gained firsthand experience in a school setting before going out into the real world. This allowed you to determine if you actually liked the work, such as early mornings, long days, and hiking, or if you preferred being in a lab, sitting at a computer, or pipetting into a thousand different tubes.
You got that firsthand experience while still in school and could pivot your direction. I think that senior project was one of the most important things for me. It was kind of a taste of grad school and potentially a career, and it helped shape what I wanted to do.
I actually changed from wanting to be a physical therapist and go into kinesiology, and shifted into wildlife and environmental work. I'm really happy with my career, so it's all worked out.