Q: I'm a technician and I'm interested in zoological medicine. How can I get started in the field?

Experience, timing, and luck play a huge role, says Susan Logan, BS, CVT, a technician at the Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix. "I recommend volunteering at a wildlife rescue organization or applying for a weekend job at a zoo. Many of our keepers began their careers selling tickets or working as park rangers or even custodians. Some had no animal experience before starting a job in some other department at the zoo. Even if you're simply tearing tickets at the front gate, you'll meet people and network."

It's also a good idea, Logan says, to maintain your current work relationships. Maybe the people you work with now may have connections with others in the field who can set you on the right path.