David Wyatt: Many new college students start their educational journeys being undecided about their career and educational goals. The ability to “explore” courses in numerous subject areas can serve as gateway events that result in career determinations for many students, for example students that “discover” biology as a career pathway. The Community Colleges offer such opportunities at an affordable price-point and also provide career advancement opportunities for college graduates and current professionals through academic and career education programs and courses. Students can readily pick and choose courses they wish to take whether it is an entire transfer-track program culminating in university degree(s), a career-education Certificate, or single- or multiple-courses intended for professional training and advancement.

Julie Vance:  During its early years, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) was focused on enforcing fishing and hunting laws and stocking fish. Over the past 150 years, the role and priorities of CDFW have expanded towards a focus on conservation and science, with some recent periods of intense change within the organization. With this expansion in focus comes an increased diversity of career opportunities for biologists and other scientists. To be effective in this diverse conservation space, regular communication and collaboration with other state scientists, federal agency partners, non-profit organizations, and consulting firm scientists is essential.