How to Pivot Your Work Experience to a Career in Conservation (or any career, really)
By Elyse Cogburn, National Outreach and Recruitment Strategy Manager
There comes a time in many people’s careers when they start craving something more—work that feels meaningful and aligned with their love for nature. If you’ve ever dreamed of making a real impact, pivoting into conservation could be your chance to turn that passion into action. Whether it’s protecting wildlife, creating access through trail building and development, or national service driven, there’s a place for you in this field. The transition might feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset, skills, and connections, it’s absolutely possible. Conservation needs fresh perspectives, and your unique background could be exactly what helps make a difference.
Below are some strategies to help reframe your experience and set you on the path to making the jump.
So let’s take a collective deep breath and dive in.
1) Identify Transferable Skills
Regardless of your current job (or studies), you likely possess skills that are valuable in conservation. Communication, adaptability, creativity, problem-solving are all essential in conservation efforts. For example, if you have experience working a customer service job, you can use your interpersonal and communication skills to promote conservation initiatives at a visitor center or working as an interpretive guide for a national park. Similarly, if you have a degree in finance or business, budgeting and analytical skills gained through these degree programs can be beneficial for managing conservation projects.
Tip: Most all skills are transferable. Don’t discredit your experience.
2) Gain Relevant Experience
To strengthen your candidacy, seek out opportunities to gain direct experience in conservation. Now, you’re probably thinking, “ok…but I’m not ‘qualified’ for the positions I want. What do I do then?” That might seem true at the moment – but there are some ways around this. Volunteering with environmental organizations, joining citizen science projects, or participating in conservation internships (like with ACE’s Crew & EPIC programs) can help bridge the gap between your current expertise and the field you want to enter. These experiences demonstrate your commitment, passion and can give you the practical skills employers are looking for.
Tip: ‘relevant’ can be subjective, especially if you are just beginning in your career or looking to pivot. Spending an afternoon with a local non-profit pulling English Ivy, or a beach clean-up day can be very relevant – again, don’t discredit your experience.
3) Network with Conservation Professionals
Building connections with professionals in conservation (or any industry) is crucial. This can be done in a more professional setting like attending conservation-related conferences, workshops, and networking events. Another route that’s a bit more accessible for folks is joining online communities and engaging with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Identifying other people who hold positions you are interested in (or have a similar work experience to you) is a great way to get more information. Reaching out for informational interviews can help give you relevancy, confidence and an “in” with a conservation professional.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to “cold email/message” someone on LinkedIn – most people are willing (and excited) to share their experience with someone who is open and willing to learn from them. If you’re an ACE Alumni: join our LinkedIn Alumni Group!
4) Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
When applying for conservation jobs, highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasize any volunteer work, coursework, or personal projects related to conservation. Clearly communicate your passion for environmental work and explain how your previous experience adds value to the position, even if they might not be directly related. Individualize your resume and cover letter for every single job. Having a tailored resume to the specific position you are applying for shows the recruiter/employer your intentionality when applying for their position.
Tip: Avoid copying and pasting your resume and cover letter to (what feels like hundreds) of jobs – taking an extra 5 mins to craft an opening paragraph specific to the position you are applying for can go a long way.
5) Stay Persistent and Adaptable
Career transitions take time, and setbacks are a natural part of the process. Be open to different opportunities within the conservation sector, even if they don’t align perfectly with your initial goals. Each step you take brings you closer to your desired career path – the connections you make in ”stepping stone” roles can help you and your future.
Pivoting into conservation requires a combination of strategy, networking, and experience. By leveraging your existing skills, gaining relevant exposure, and staying committed to your goal, you can successfully transition into a fulfilling career that aligns with your passion for protecting the planet.
Tip: Don’t. Give. Up.
6) You Got This!
Take a moment to appreciate your willingness to be open and try something new. Most people aren’t brave enough to ask themselves the hard questions, let alone pivot entire careers or start something new. YOU ARE DOING GREAT. YOU GOT THIS.
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