I'm interested in getting some Herp qualifications, info please??

[Strafe]

So I want to work with reptiles and maybe breed them on the side,

but being the ever so responsible individual that I am, I thought it best I get some qualifications, so far I've heard of Proteus and Compass. Any opinions on whats best? Which one is recognised most in the community? Which has the best content?

I noticed that Proteus do weekend courses, that really appeals to me, but surely what you learn can't be as good as the 6 month home course that Compass offers, or can it??

Your opinions please, also if there are any other recognised bodies for Herp courses that would be great to know as well.

Many thanks

[sparkle]

I looked at the compass course.. I think Im going to choose to do it this year...

I havent heard good things about proteus to be honest

[Zak]

Id forgo the money the course wants and invest in some good herp biology books, to be honest your best bet for behavioural study is watching your own animals.

Proteus course was a farce, apparently its changed but till hear i different id steer well clear.
Heard better things about Compass but does cost a fair bit and the qualification isnt particularly worth much.

[sandmatt]

If you want a career in it, universitys almost the only way to go, but if its for personal knowledge then one of the short courses cant hurt.

[Strafe]

That's what I was afraid of, I'm setting up a business at the minute, not reptile related, but I need some extra cash and thought doing something I love would be the best option as I'm only looking for a few hours a week.

I rang round a few reptile shops and they wanted to know what qualifications I had. It's a shame because I have no desire to go to uni and the qualification is more than what I'm looking for. Looks like I'll just have to keep phoning up places and seeing if they got anything going.

I'm sure too much emphasis is put on uni these days, I think hands on experience is so much more important with jobs like these. I mean I only want to be a pet shop assistant for crying out loud

Thanks for your current replies, any more opinions are more than welcome

[Zak]

Originally Posted by Strafe

I rang round a few reptile shops and they wanted to know what qualifications I had. It's a shame because I have no desire to go to uni and the qualification is more than what I'm looking for. Looks like I'll just have to keep phoning up places and seeing if they got anything going.

I dont think the reptile shops were after degrees, more enquiring about what kind of person you are. Without coming across pompous a decent education whether it be GCSE's, A Levels or degree says alot about a person, that they're hard working, diligent and can be bothered to acquire an education. Even a home course from compass/proteus says little about you reptile knowledge. More you can retain info and answer set questions.

[cooljules]

Originally Posted by Zak

I dont think the reptile shops were after degrees, more enquiring about what kind of person you are. Without coming across pompous a decent education whether it be GCSE's, A Levels or degree says alot about a person, that they're hard working, diligent and can be bothered to acquire an education. Even a home course from compass/proteus says little about you reptile knowledge. More you can retain info and answer set questions.

i agree, i was offered a lot of work in German reptile shops (and they are really into reps over there) and Berlin/Dresden zoos i sent CV's etc and they even took my disiability into consideration...

Big differance though, between a sat kid in a rep store who doesnt know much, but wants to learn, than to someone who does for many years..

[Jaymond]

hey, i think experience is definaly key in animal-related jobs, I'm doing my top up for my BSc in Applied Zoology and I really don't think that is gonna get me a job, but if i got into a zoo or pet shop, i would probably get a job really quickly. lol

Most job adverts ask for experience, wishing I didn't bother getting into debt! lol

[Zak]

Originally Posted by Jaymond

hey, i think experience is definaly key in animal-related jobs, I'm doing my top up for my BSc in Applied Zoology and I really don't think that is gonna get me a job, but if i got into a zoo or pet shop, i would probably get a job really quickly. lol

Most job adverts ask for experience, wishing I didn't bother getting into debt! lol

You'd be surprised, i know Chester, London and Jersey zoo's prefer keepers with qualifications. They realise there is true science behind animal husbandry and zoo keeping. Before you apply for a zoo get some experience in one, really opens your eyes.

Dont throw away the fact you've done a degree, might not seem particularly beneficial straight away but will open doors for you especially when it comes to promotion and managerial positions.

[Saedcantas]

Originally Posted by Zak

You'd be surprised, i know Chester, London and Jersey zoo's prefer keepers with qualifications. They realise there is true science behind animal husbandry and zoo keeping. Before you apply for a zoo get some experience in one, really opens your eyes.

Dont throw away the fact you've done a degree, might not seem particularly beneficial straight away but will open doors for you especially when it comes to promotion and managerial positions.

Well said Zak!

So when will you be here doing your studentship then eh?
Lotte***