Overview: Curious about careers working with Alaska’s birds? This interactive event will bring students at all stages together with professionals and mentors from a range of backgrounds (e.g., government, state, universities, NGOs) who work with birds in Alaska. You will have the chance to ask questions, hear real stories from panelists, and learn about various strategies, challenges, opportunities, and diverse career paths in bird research, conservation, and management. Whether you are deciding on a major, thinking about grad school, or preparing for your next step, this session is designed to support you. 

Who can participate: This event will be open to students and early professionals at all stages (e.g., high school, undergraduate, graduate, post-doc, early career). If you would like to participate, please send an email to akbirdconf@gmail.com with information on your school or career stage, your general career or education interests, and any other information that would be helpful for us to know. This will help us plan breakout groups and recruit mentors aligned with your goals.

When: Tuesday, December 8th, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. 

Where: Main Conference Room, Marriott Anchorage Downtown

What to expect: This event will involve a mix of panel and breakout discussions. The opening panel session will give panelists a chance to introduce themselves and answer general questions from participants (approx. 30 minutes). For the remainder of the event, students will break into smaller groups to engage in more in-depth discussions with panelists about professional development, navigating graduate school, fieldwork opportunities, agency hiring pathways, or opportunities in specific sectors. Panelists and mentors will be recruited from a range of career stages (mid- and advanced) and professional sectors.

Light appetizers and drinks will be available at this event.