Sarah Sayles
HNC Animal Management
What initially sparked your interest and passion in Animal Care?
‘Growing up with animals my whole life and having to deal with my first pets death made me want to be part of the solution in helping animals live happier, healthier lives’.
Have you progressed to the HNC from one of our Level 3 course? If so, how have you found the transition?
‘Yes, it was a big difference from the very practical side of the level 3 course I did to the classroom-bound HNC and apart from the business side of the course, it was a fairly easy transition.’
Why did you choose the HNC/HND route compared to other educational routes?
‘With the final position of zoology or conservation that I was aiming for, I knew I needed a higher level of education to get there, and although there was the T Level in between, this seemed the quicker and better route for me to go with me already being a mature student.’
What were your initial career goals when you started the course, and have they shifted since?
‘Originally I was looking more at the veterinary side of animal care, but now I am preferring the more zoology, conservation side however, the science side is still intriguing and I find dissections fascinating.’
Sarah“I would probably see myself working in a zoo, potentially as a researcher in zoology. I think this course will help as it has a lot of research projects, insight into anthrozoology and ecology and their ecological principles, as well as animal behaviour and management.”
What specific area of Animal Care are you most interested in and why, e.g. Zoology, veterinary, animal welfare, etc. and why?
‘Conservation is probably the most interesting to me as the location of the job is hardly ever the same, the Greece conservation trip we went on was very enlightening and I loved every bit even getting up early to spot the tracks, it made me feel like an adventurer and like I was actually making a difference in the world, plus it also dips into the research side of animal care which attunes to my love of learning something new… the conservation trip to Greece was an amazing experience, and I would love to go on the next trip to Africa if my finances allowed it, but also the day trips out to places like Chester Zoo were also amazing.’
Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years and how do you think this course will help you get there?
‘I would love to see myself in the line of conservation; however, I have children, and that is most likely not going to be possible if I have to keep moving around a lot, so I would probably see myself working in a zoo, potentially as a researcher in zoology. I think this course will help as it has a lot of research projects, insight into anthrozoology and ecology and their ecological principles, as well as animal behaviour and management, which I believe are crucial learning steps to ease us into the final top-up degree and achieve the position we want.’
What advice would you give to someone considering this course?
‘Be prepared for lots of writing. Ask for help as and when you need it, don’t put it off and wait, as it can be very easy to fall behind while trying to catch up while you still have more assignments, it is manageable, but can be very overwhelming. Graduation is not as scary as you think.’
How have the College and tutors supported you throughout your time with us?
‘The College and tutors have been very helpful in supporting me throughout my time at College, with one-to-one tutorials, extensions on assignments when lagging behind and even with financial support when times were tough.’
Find out more about Animal Management at University Centre Rotherham
