This book isn’t just about interesting careers that other people have. It’s also a book about interesting careers that you can have. Of course, it won’t do you a bit of good to just read this book. To get the whole shebang, you’re going to have to jump in with both feet, roll up your sleeves, put on your thinking cap—whatever it takes—to help you do these three things:

- Discover what you do best and enjoy the most. (This is the secret ingredient for finding work that’s perfect for you.)

- Explore ways to match your interests and abilities with career ideas.

- Experiment with lots of different ideas until you find the ideal career. (It’s like trying on all kinds of hats to see which ones fit!)

Use this book as a road map to some exciting career destinations. Here’s what to expect in the chapters that follow.

Get in Gear!

First stop: discover. These activities will help you uncover important clues about the special traits and abilities that make you you. When you are finished you will have developed a personal Skill Set that will help guide you to career ideas in the next chapter.

Take a Trip!

Next stop: explore. Cruise down the career idea highway and find out about a variety of career ideas that are especially appropriate for people who like animals and nature. Use the Skill Set chart at the beginning of each career profile to match your own interests with those required for success on the job. Once you've identified a career that interests you, kick your exploration into high gear by checking out some of the Web sites, library resources, and professional organizations listed at the end of each career profile. For an extra challenge, follow the instructions for the Try It Out activities.

Make a Natural Detour! Here’s your chance to explore an amazing array of occupations involving animals and nature. Just when you thought you'd seen it all, here come dozens of new ideas to add to the mix. Spice up your career search by learning all you can about some of these exciting opportunities.

Don’t Stop Now! Third stop: experiment. The library, the telephone, a computer, and a mentor—four keys to a successful career planning adventure. Use them well, and before long you’ll be on the trail of some hot career ideas of your own.

What’s Next? Make a plan! Chart your course (or at least the next stop) with these career planning road maps. Whether you’re moving full steam ahead with a great idea or get slowed down at a yellow light of indecision, these road maps will keep you moving forward toward a great future. Use a pencil—you’re bound to make a detour or two along the way. But, hey, you’ve got to start somewhere.

Hooray! You Did It! Some final rules of the road before sending you off to new adventures.

Some Future Destinations This section lists a few career planning tools you’ll want to know about. You’ve got a lot of ground to cover in this phase of your career planning journey. Start your engines and get ready for an exciting adventure!