The time as an early career ecologist (ECE), those few years post graduate degrees, are described in many ways – exciting, busy, stressful, overwhelming, fulfilling, frustrating, productive, and challenging. 

The collection of articles in this edition focuses on the challenges of being an ECE in a range of careers and perspectives on overcoming those challenges. The authors come from a variety of backgrounds with different career trajectories. There are common themes in each of their stories, which include the satisfaction that each person gets from their science, the diversity of experiences in each career pathway, and importantly, the resilience across all of their stories. 

Vanessa describes how their best-laid plans on being an ecological consultant took a few twists along the way, leading to their current position at DELWP and contributing to policy decisions to reverse ecosystem decline. Caragh reflects on the diversity of roles they have had in their career to this point, and how their values and personality remain at the core of what they do in each role. Anindita highlights that resilience is not only about the individual, but is built on with the surrounding support networks, which is particularly relevant for many people over these last two years with disrupted work routines. Hamish also identifies the importance of these networks and how they can be found in unexpected places. Erinne explains why they sought out a research opportunity overseas and describes the challenges associated with this choice. Leanda discusses privilege, oppression and intersectionality in ecology. 

The uncertainty facing ECEs is challenging to navigate, but getting involved can temper some of the stresses, whether it be in groups with other ECEs or outdoor enthusiasts, and talking to other people, who can be colleagues, other ECEs, or others who share the same passion for a completely unrelated hobby. And take up those opportunities that are offered to you, even if you don’t think you’re qualified or suitable, because you’ll gain a world of experience along the way and you never know where it may take you.

– Guest Editor Associate Professor Vanessa Wong, School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University

Image taken at the Australian Academy of Science’s EMCR Forum Science Pathways 2018: Diversify your thinking. Image credit: Dr Róisín McMahon (https://twitter.com/roisinmcmahon/status/988294116571205638).