Q&A with Heidi Docter, wildlife technician for the Wisconsin DNR
| Heidi Docter understands the value of lifelong learning.
After graduating high school, the Ripon native attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she majored in English. While there, she discovered a love of environmental literature. After getting a job in marketing, Docter felt the pull of environmental work and decided to go back to school. She enrolled at Fox Valley Technical College and earned an associate’s degree in natural resources. |
 Heidi Docter, a wildlife technician for the Wisconsin DNR |
Docter now works as an LTE Wildlife Technician/Wildlife Biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Resources, where she finds herself performing a variety of duties from tagging ducks to working on prescribed burns, which are carefully planned and executed fires to achieve specific ecological or land management goals.
New North sat down with Docter to learn more about why Northeast Wisconsin is a great place to receive a higher education and launch a career.
Question: How has your education helped you in your career?
Docter: UW-Oshkosh taught me to think for myself and become a critical thinker, which is something I use every day. I also became a stronger writer, which is a benefit in so many ways.
At FVTC, I learned the practical skills of doing my job. I learned heavy equipment skills, how to fix a small motor, and the skills I need in the field, such as how to tag animals. Both schools were great.
Question: Why is the New North a good place to get an education?
Docter: There are a lot of affordable opportunities in the region to get an excellent education. The schools are also a little smaller, and you can get to know your professors and instructors. They are connected to the community and are a great resource. At FVTC, my instructors knew just who to connect me with to get an internship.
Question: How has your education changed your life?
Docter: Without my education, I would not be where I am today. When I was at FVTC, I volunteered and had internships. On one volunteer trip, I saw someone tagging ducks and I asked, “How can I get that job?” They gave me advice, and now I have that job, which is incredible. You get so many incredible opportunities. Beyond learning the skills for my job, I also learned to be more open-minded, which is a good thing.
Question: Is it worth going to college?
Answer: You can’t get a job in a specialized area, such as wildlife biology, without having the skills you gain while in college. Going to college expands your worldview, and you also learn soft skills, which is important when you’re working.
I know a lot of people worry about the cost, but there are financial aid opportunities available. Tech schools are well known for their affordability. You can either pursue a certificate or a two-year associate’s degree. You can also go there for two years and take a lot of general education classes before transferring to a four-year school. They have great transfer programs in place, so you can start school there and save money.
Question: Why is lifelong learning important?
Docter: I love learning. It helps you grow in your career. For example, I’m going to be taking a course this fall in prescribed burning, so I’m able to do more of that in my job. Lifelong learning also helps you grow as a person and exposes you to the wider world.
Learn more about our campaign supporting higher education in the New North—Growing Roots, Finding Wings—and about UW-Oshkosh and Fox Valley Technical College.
