AZA/AAZK Panel Discussion

Tuesday, September 15th, 8-10 AM
Pavilion AGDBE
Panelists TBD

Taking the Reins of Your Own Career Path: Skill-Building and Leadership Development for Keepers

Career paths in animal care are rarely a straight line, they look more like networks or branching paths. This session invites zookeepers and aquarists to consider what growth can look like and take ownership of their own development and future. The skills you are building today can shape the opportunities available to you tomorrow, so how do you intentionally move toward where you want to be? Keepers and aquarists are trainers, behaviorists, collaborators, storytellers, and problem solvers. This session explores how to develop these multifaceted skills strategically and sustainably to prepare yourself for the next steps in your career. Career changes and development can be challenging, and even intimidating, but it also opens doors to new possibilities. We’ll highlight real examples of career paths within zoos and aquariums, share tools and resources for professional development, and discuss how to advocate for support, mentorship, and access to opportunities. Whether you want to deepen your expertise, broaden your impact, or prepare for leadership or a related field, this session will help you chart a path forward.