SCDNR’s Diversity Outreach Manager Alix Pedraza got her start in wildlife biology through Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

Former Horry-Georgetown Technical College student Kayla Munnerlyn Brantley is shown banding a duck at Yawkey Wildlife Center. Brantley now serves as a wildlife biologist for the SCDNR.

From left, Henry Moody and Joey Brown conduct research at Yawkey Wildlife Center as part of the Horry-Georgetown Technical College forestry and wildlife management program.

South Carolina Wildlife magazine asked forestry and wildlife students at Horry-Georgetown Technical College for their advice to those aspiring to pursue a career in forestry or wildlife biology.  Here’s what they had to say:

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Tyler Hunt Volunteer as much as possible and do not be scared to get your name out there.

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Will Rowell When the most stressful thing at work is the bugs, life is good.

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Jon Darling If you love working outside — forestry and wildlife — this is a great place to learn the skills you will need.[/col][col size=”6″]
Jessica Edwards Get as much hands-on volunteer work as you can.[/col][/row][row cols_nr=”2″][col size=”6″]
Hailey Gibbins The forestry and wildlife field is a small group of individuals who work hard and love what they do. Curiosity and making a lasting impression on these professionals is critical to get you where you want to go.[/col][col size=”6″]
Nick Niepmann Stay ahead of your class work, and don’t get behind.[/col][/row][row cols_nr=”2″][col size=”6″]
James Horton Get to know professionals in the field you plan to go into after graduating.[/col][col size=”6″]
Joe Dorn Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Chances are someone else is thinking the same thing.[/col][/row][row cols_nr=”2″][col size=”6″]
Kenneth Lee A high level of motivation is required. Class is not as easy as expected. Got to come to school swinging for home runs.[/col][col size=”6″]
Jakob Kemp Keep it fun. Don’t make it a job.[/col][/row][row cols_nr=”2″][col size=”6″]
Colton Tuten Volunteer as much as possible and get to know as many people as possible.[/col][col size=”6″]
Dylan Carney The classes here are tough, but it is to ensure we are properly prepared for work when we graduate. Pay attention in class and most definitely take notes.[/col][/row][row cols_nr=”2″][col size=”6″]
Joey Brown Don’t slack off in homework … it will be a long two years of college if you wait for the last minute to do it.[/col][col size=”6″]
Bryan Jenerette Even for people who have no wildlife or forestry experience, this program is both a challenging and rewarding experience.[/col][/row][row cols_nr=”2″][col size=”6″]
Brandon Shipes Take every volunteering opportunity you can, and never be afraid to meet new people.  You never know who you might meet.[/col][col size=”6″]

Nicole Lawson You don’t have to have grown up shooting deer to be in this field — anyone with a desire to help animals can do this.

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Note from SCW editors:
Check out USAjobs.gov or careers.sc.gov to explore job opportunities.