In response to the comment on FB – it’s very true that the post is geared towards more formal education – mainly because that’s the perspective I wanted to write about, largely because the initial post idea come from that context. However, it’s completely correct that “becoming” an arachnologist is possible at any age or career stage, and perhaps I should consider writing a post in the future about that exact topic i.e., how to become an arachnologist more through non-traditional routes. However, Joe, I may ask you to co-write that with me, because you have a wonderful depth of experience and expertise that would prove valuable in such a post!

When it comes to scholarly research and publications, it appears that the arachnological community does not care what your credentials are. You just have to know your stuff. If you know your stuff and give it your all, the opportunities come. I don’t have a degree, although I attended some college (3 years), and yet I’m now looking at as many as two publications co-authored with other arachnologists this year.

Sure, there are people in the community who discourage amateurs, but there are more who go out of their way to empower them. Find those who empower and ask them how you can help contribute to the field. You’ll be doing arachnology in no time, and arachnology will be better for it.

I do have to add one caveat though. Everything in life is harder without a degree. The person with a degree is assumed to be capable. The person without has to prove it over and over. Without a degree, you get fewer opportunities, work harder for the opportunities that you do get, and get paid less. To get the same opportunities and pay as a degreed person, you have to be much better than the norm. Hardest of all, most big institutions have strict policies about only hiring those with degrees. So get a degree if at all possible, but know that it’s not a prerequisite for participation in arachnology.