This behind-the-scenes look at careers in marine mammal care and training addresses questions such as What is it really like to be a trainer? and How can I become one, too? and offers strategies and alternatives to help identify potential career options in this field. It covers a variety of aspects involved in being a trainer, from typical days on the job and training different behaviors to the kind of education needed and the value of swimming and scuba skills. This thorough guide contains a comprehensive bibliography for additional reference and an invaluable resource directory with extensive contact information for more than 150 educational, governmental, and professional sources around the world.

The text also includes suggestions as to what type of education is needed, how to plan and research, and what is the proper etiquette to use in contacting people in the industry. It even touches on applications, resumes and interviewing. Finally, the book also includes a resource directory of a variety of facilities and organizations involved with marine mammals.

If you are just starting your quest for a career or are besieged by questions regarding this type of career I highly recommend this book...

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:


A book after my own heart!  Mar 17, 2004 By Heidi
Finally! A book that was written after my own heart! I've had the same dream to one day work with marine mammals since I was 7 years old. I'm 18 now, and that dream has still not changed. But because it is such a competative and unique job, it's not every day you run into a dolphin trainer and therefore, it's difficult to get direct information about just how to go about doing this. Of course I've researched many different books about these beautiful animals, but it's not every day that you find a guide on how to actually achieve this dream career! Imagine how thrilled I was to find this book! It's an inside look at working with marine mammals, by a senior trainer himself. Terry gave me tips and suggestions that I would never have thought of, nor realized until it was perhaps too late. Preparing youself with the proper experience is one of the most important things, and with the help of the "aquarium guide" I discovered that there is a small marine aquarium, not 40 minutes from me, where they have volunteer programs that involve the rescue and rehabilitation of dolphins, otters, and sea turtles. Thank you to Terry Samansky for this wonderful book! I'm sure I will be referring to it throughout my continued career search!

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:


A must read for preparing for this career!!!!  Apr 01, 2004 By Sara Nieb
This book is an easy read and gives simple explanations. However, it is packed with valuable tips! I recently had an interview for an internship in marine mammal training and every question that they asked in the interview was on the list of questions that were in this book. It gives great tips on how to prepare for the career and what the employers are REALLY looking for.

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:


A great look behind the scenes from someone who's been there!  Jun 15, 2011 By Rad student "Rad student"
As a mom of two teens, I can tell you that they are constantly looking at every job as a potential career. The problem with that is that they only see the end results, not the years of schooling or behind-the-scenes "pay your dues" type of work that goes into most careers. This book peels away at the glamour that we all see when visiting parks like Sea World and tells it like it is: Working with whales and dolphins takes years of training and hard work that is far from glamorous. I read the book along with my kids and I can tell you they both thought twice about whether or not they'd be happy to be prepping frozen fish at five a.m. or jumping into cold water in December. These are things no one ever thinks about when in San Diego or Florida in July! Mr. Samansky, who has worked at several aquatic parks and consulted at parks all around the world, tells it like it is! Being a killer whale or dolphin trainer IS glamorous and prestigious but it is also hard work. He explains some very basic truths like thinking twice before getting that tattoo and minding your manners on social sites like facebook. These are the little but often overlooked details that most adults forget to include when writing a career guidance book for teens. While the book is directed at the teen and pre-teen group but is also eye opening and informative for their parents. If your kids are at all considering a career in the marine mammal field, this brief but fact-filled book is a great place to start.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:


Just what she needed  Jul 22, 2011 By Brenda L Covely
My daughter wants to train dolphins, and this book was great. It told her things she needs to know, and things to considered. I would recommended this book to any one who wants to get into this field.

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