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Tue, 10/11/2009 - 11:09am
Hi all,
As I mentioned in my profile, I'm studying a Field Guide course online and just wanted to ask if anyone has any tips or suggestions about how I can get somewhere in this field.
How much experience is necessary? And how do you get it, as I'm sure it's quite a competitive industry to get into. I'm in London at the moment (which is not the best place to be for an aspiring field guide, I know! 
), but I volunteer at London Zoo which gives me a chance to interact with people, which I thought might help in terms of learning how to talk to people and get information about animals and plants across to them. Does that make sense?
I suppose I had a fair amount of experience with wildlife when I was growing up as we were always camping and exploring, and I spent some time with my dad out in the bush while he was building a camp, but I'm not sure how much any of that would help me.
Anyway, what would be really great is if anyone can give me any info, anything at all, or links to helpful websites and things like that so that I can find out as much as possible.
This really has been a dream of mine, probably since I was old enough to notice the world around me! I'm determined to do it and would really appreciate any little bit of information anyone can give me.
Thanks to everyone involved for such a great website, it really inspires me.
Good luck to you as well! 
Dear Kate
If you want to be a field guide in South Africa you first need to do a 'practical' course in addition to your online one. You can do this via Eco Training or other training organisations... I can thoroughly recommend Eco Training. The full course is 28 days spent in the bush (mostly in Big 5 territory) walking, driving and learning how to be a competant Field Guide
Once you have done your 'prac' you will need to do FGASA exams to become an accreditted Field Guide.
You should monitor the message boards on Wildlifecampus - they often have 'adverts' posted by lodges who are looking for staff.
The pay, for new field guides, is generally very poor but you should recieve training and full board as part of your contract.
A few of my 'Wildlifecampus' friends, who are from England / Europe, have found good jobs in the industry and are happily living out their dream!
One such freind is Peter Braat, from Holland. Peter completed some of the Wildlifecampus courses and is now very happily employed, full-time, working with Wildcam, in Sabi Sands.
If you have a dream, work towards it whatever it takes, and live it!
Founding Member of the AAA - Africam Addicts Association.Want to learn more about the animals you see on the cam?Go to www.wildlifecampus.com for free modules and full courses