How can I prepare for a career in environmental consulting with a degree in ecology?

I totally get it - transitioning from academia to a career in environmental consulting can be intimidating, but don't worry, you're on the right track just by taking the first step and doing research. From what I've seen, having experience in laboratory settings, data analysis, and fieldwork are indeed crucial skills to develop. I would suggest trying to get involved in as many projects or internships as you can, even if they're unpaid, to build your portfolio and network in the field.

Getting certifications like the Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) or the Certified Sustainability Practitioner (CSP) can be super beneficial, but it's not a necessity at the beginning. I would focus on building your skills and experience first, and then consider pursuing certifications later in your career. In terms of specific skills, I would say that learning Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and programming languages like Python or R would be really valuable, especially if you can combine them with your existing knowledge of ecology.

I would recommend checking out online courses or tutorials to get started with GIS and programming languages. For GIS, there's a great free course on the Esri website that covers the basics, and for Python or R, I've heard great things about the Codecademy courses. Additionally, try to join online communities or forums related to environmental consulting and ask for advice from people who are already in the field - they'll be able to give you more practical advice and insights than anyone else.