Career Exploration: Grades 7–12
Pathways to the WILD: Career Exploration for Grades 7–12
Pathways to the WILD is an engaging career-exploration program that helps students discover how their interests in wildlife, animals, conservation, science and education can develop into meaningful career opportunities.
Led by the experienced team at Soper Creek Wildlife, the presentation introduces students to careers in wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, zoology, veterinary services, environmental science, conservation, education, nonprofit leadership, communications and community outreach. Students learn what these careers involve, the education and experience they may require, and the personal and professional skills employers value.
Drawing on our experience mentoring youth and supporting field-placement students from the University of Guelph and Durham College, we provide an honest, firsthand look at post-secondary pathways, volunteering, placements and workplace expectations. The presentation explores the rewards and realities of working with wildlife while helping students understand that passion is an important starting point—but education, practical experience, responsibility, teamwork and resilience are what help build a successful career.
Content is adapted to the students’ grade level. Grades 7 and 8 are encouraged to discover what is possible and begin connecting their interests to future opportunities. High school students receive more detailed guidance about course selection, college and university programs, volunteer experience, field placements, résumé building and practical next steps.
Students will leave with a broader understanding of wildlife-related careers, realistic ideas for gaining experience and greater confidence in planning their future.
Explore Careers. Meet Mentors. Build Your Future.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
All presentations are fully interactive and designed to bring learning to life!
- 1-Hour Interactive Presentation – Engaging, educational, and designed to get students involved!
- 1 Live Animal Ambassador – Meet one of our incredible ambassadors, which may include a skunk, opossum, owl, rabbit, turtle, snake, and more!
- Animal Artifacts – Hands-on opportunities to explore and learn from real wildlife artifacts.
- Transportation Costs – Travel fees may apply based on your school’s location.
- $5 Million Liability Insurance – Soper Creek Wildlife carries $5 million in liability insurance for added peace of mind.
Travel fees will apply for locations more than 1 hour away from Soper Creek Wildlife.
Grades 7 & 8: Discover What’s Possible
Pathways to the WILD is an engaging career-exploration presentation designed to help students discover the many opportunities connected to wildlife, animals, conservation and environmental education.
Through real-life stories from the Soper Creek Wildlife team, students will learn that working with wildlife involves much more than becoming a veterinarian. We introduce careers in wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, zoology, conservation, environmental science, education, nonprofit leadership, communications and other related fields. Students will explore what these careers involve, the skills employers look for and how their current interests and school subjects can help guide their future choices.
The presentation also encourages students to think about responsibility, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and resilience. They will leave with practical ideas for exploring their interests through volunteering, clubs, community involvement and future course selections.
Drawing on our experience mentoring youth and supporting students from the University of Guelph and Durham College, we offer an honest and encouraging look at what it takes to turn a passion for wildlife into a meaningful future.
Ideal for: Grades 7 and 8 career education, guidance programming, environmental studies, science classes and school-wide career events.
High School: Plan Your Pathway
Pathways to the WILD is a practical career and post-secondary planning presentation for students interested in wildlife, animals, conservation, environmental science and education.
Students will explore a variety of career opportunities, including wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, zoology, veterinary services, conservation, environmental studies, wildlife education, nonprofit work and community outreach. The presentation looks beyond job titles to explain the education, practical experience, workplace skills and personal qualities needed to succeed in these competitive fields.
Drawing on our experience as mentors and field-placement supervisors for students from the University of Guelph and Durham College, the Soper Creek Wildlife team shares firsthand insight into post-secondary programs, field placements, volunteering and workplace expectations. We also discuss the realities of working with wildlife, helping students understand both the rewards and responsibilities involved.
Students will learn how to compare college and university pathways, build relevant experience, develop a strong résumé and make thoughtful decisions about courses, volunteering and post-secondary education. The goal is to help students move from simply saying, “I want to work with animals,” to understanding the concrete steps required to build a successful career.
Ideal for: High school career studies, cooperative education, guidance programming, science and environmental courses, Specialist High Skills Major programs and career events.
