1. Don't give up!
2. This career is VERY competitive and is constantly filled with people who don't know what being a trainer really means.
3. So stand out! Its up to you to show them that you will be a great asset to their facility.
4. Don't wait for call backs....so far I have never received any, not even when I was applying to volunteer. I was constantly calling and making sure they did not forget my interest in joining their team!
5. Mind what you say and who you say it to. I'm not talking about gossip either. Things like employment opportunities, internships, or if a very important staff member is coming are not just told to anyone. So if you happen to get such key information keep it to yourself and take advantage since competition is FIERCE!
6. Opportunity comes and goes very quickly! I know a volunteer who has been at this facility for 3 years and has always wanted an employment opportunity but so far no luck. Yet when I went behind the scenes at SeaWorld in 2006 I met a young girl who had no animal experience and her major was English and is now a trainer only because she passed the swim test. Its hard to accept these things especially when you might have always had a passion for these animals and even put years of study into your life and made countless sacrifices to reach your goal! But thats just how things can be sometimes...
7. So like I said before DON"T GIVE UP!!
8. Volunteer or intern if no positions are available. Even if the only employment available at the facility is receptionist or working at the gift shop TAKE IT!!! So what if you have to work behind the counter, your one step closer!
9. Save, save, save!! All the internships I've come across are unpaid and require flexibility and long hours. The facility I volunteer at offers an amazing internship that lasts 3 months and is 40 hours a week minimum, not to mention weekends. I am currently saving up and hope to eventually be able get this valuable experience. Many Florida facilities offer a variety of dolphin trainer workshops, none of which come cheap.
10.Get SCUBA certified BEFORE you start applying to aquariums. Trust me it helps and not to mention its loads of fun!
9. Save, save, save!! All the internships I've come across are unpaid and require flexibility and long hours. The facility I volunteer at offers an amazing internship that lasts 3 months and is 40 hours a week minimum, not to mention weekends. I am currently saving up and hope to eventually be able get this valuable experience. Many Florida facilities offer a variety of dolphin trainer workshops, none of which come cheap.
10.Get SCUBA certified BEFORE you start applying to aquariums. Trust me it helps and not to mention its loads of fun!
