Finn Woodward
HNC Animal Management
What initially sparked your interest and passion in Animal Care?
‘I’ve always enjoyed going to the zoo, and when I was younger I thought it would be amazing to see and work with animals every day. As I got older, I began to realise that this could actually be a realistic career path. From there, my interest developed into a genuine passion, especially through gaining hands-on experience like volunteering.
I progressed from a Level 3 Animal Care course after initially starting A-levels and deciding they weren’t the right path for me. The transition to HNC has been a step up in terms of workload and independence, but I feel like my Level 3 course prepared me well and helped me build a solid foundation’.
Why did you choose the HNC route compared to other educational routes?
‘I chose the HNC/HND route because it offers a more practical, hands-on approach to learning, which suits me better than purely academic routes. Compared to going straight into work, it allows me to gain both experience and deeper knowledge, which is important for working in more specialised environments like zoos’.
What are your career goals, and have they shifted since starting the course?
‘I always knew that I wanted to work in a zoo, and that goal has stayed consistent. If anything, this course has only cemented that idea further. It’s given me a clearer understanding of what the rike involves and has strengthened my motivation to pursue that career.
I’m most interested in zoology and zoo animal care because I enjoy working with a wide range of species and learning about their behaviour, enrichment, and welfare. I’m particularly interested in how zoos contribute to conservation and education’.
Finn“Overall, the course has reinforced my goal of working in a zoo and has given me skills and motivation to keep progressing in that direction.”
Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years and how do you think this course will help you get there?
‘In 5-10 years, I see myself working as a zookeeper or in a similar role within a zoo. This course is helping me build the practical skills, knowledge and experience needed for that career, as well as preparing me for further study if required’
How do you find the balance between classroom theory and practical sessions?
‘I think the balance works really well. The theory helps me understand why we do things in a certain way, and the practical sessions allow me to apply that knowledge, which makes it easier to remember and build confidence’.
What advice would you give to someone considering the course?
‘I would say to be prepared to work hard and stay committed, but also to take every opportunity to gain experience. Practical experience is really valuable in this industry, so volunteering or placements make a big difference.
The course has made me more aware of the importance of animal welfare, enrichment, and ethical practices. I now understand that working in the industry isn’t just about interacting with animals, but also about ensuring their long-term wellbeing. It requires a lot of responsibility and consistency, but it’s also very rewarding’.
I have really enjoyed my time on the course so far, especially the mix of practical and theory-based learning. It’s helped me build both my confidence and my understanding of what a career in animal care actually involves. My experience volunteering and becoming a head volunteer has also allowed me to apply what I have learned in a real-world setting, which has been really valuable.
Overall, the course has reinforced my goal of working in a zoo and has given me skills and motivation to keep progressing in that direction’.
Find out more about Animal Management at University Centre Rotherham
