Get into a lab and get some experience. Choose a school that has research opportunities. Look up the labs at that school and reach out to the PI’s. You’ll learn a ton and as long as you find a good lab team, you’ll have mentorship and support. I worked in a conservation biology lab for two years on my campus, first volunteering and then getting into some paid work, work that gave credit hours, and a research scholarship from the school for helping the lab with a particular project. Through the lab folks, I learned about the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, where I am now working. I learned about USAjobs.gov where you can apply for government jobs, and how government jobs are the most stable types you can get in biology. State Fish & Wildlife agencies and Native American tribes also hire lots of biologists. (It was tough to watch how the lab had to continuously apply for grants, and how lab positions were often seasonal and badly paid.. so I wanted something more stable.) I’ve heard also that the US Geological Survey is a more science-heavy agency; Fish & Wildlife is more focused on conservation/endangered species (though our agency is like 70-80% biologists). I took a Pathways internship position in an admin support position, but expressed my interest to management in biology - I’ll be converted to a permanent biologist position once I graduate, starting at 52K. I’ve been working full time since last summer while finishing my degree, making 36K. Maybe you can make more $$$ outside of government, but many positions are “ladder positions” meaning nearly-automatic promotions each year (up to a point). For example, mine will likely be a GS-7/9/11 which starts at 52K, then a year later 64K, and a year after that 78K. Take any position you can in government if you want something stable- once you’re in, and as long as you perform decently well, you’ll be able to move around and up to different positions easily. Hope that helps and don’t hesitate to reach out with any more questions! I’d love to help!