We’re celebrating Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare student MJ! Since starting at UCW they developed skills and experience in industry. We caught up with MJ to hear all about it.
A key highlight of MJ’s time at UCW was working with Puxton Park’s boa constrictor snake. This was an unforgettable experience, and always impresses friends! This highlight will likely be outdone next year though when MJ visits a game reserve in South Africa.
Studying at UCW is helping MJ to prepare for their career. They have been attending a placement at UK Agri-Tech Centre, a company which works on innovation, new technology, and sustainability within the agricultural industry. This has helped them get prepared for the workplace. Just recently MJ managed to give a presentation on biodiversity at their work placement, something they never thought they’d be able to do as presenting had always been a source of fear. MJ said: “The experience I’ve gained from my work placements has definitely boosted my self-confidence and given me plenty of skills that I can take forward into my career once I graduate.”
Outside of this placement, MJ has also had the opportunity to visit the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh (where Dolly the sheep was cloned) for a conference on genetics. This trip forms part of the Animal, Environment and Biological Studies Careers Excellence Hub. At University Centre Weston our approach goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through industry speakers, workshops, employer projects, and more, we equip our learners with the real-world experiences and insights that set them apart in the competitive job market. It’s not just about getting a job; it’s about standing out from the crowd when they embark on their job searches.
MJ’s lecturers have inspired them while at UCW. MJ said: “I’d love to shout out my lecturer Sarah. I first met her on my Access to HE: Animal Science course that I did at Weston College, and I’ve never met a lecturer so passionate and inspiring about what they do.” Sarah was able to explain complex scientific process in a way that was understandable to everyone in MJ’s class and made them all interested to learn more! She has allowed MJ to explore niche topics that pique their interest including a study of the ecological effects of the U.S. military bases on Okinawa, Japan.
The support staff have also supported MJ: “Having the HEART team at UCW has been a blessing.” Having previously had problems accessing mental health services and support, MJ described the HEART team as some of the best people who have ever helped them. “Everyone on the team is so friendly, and it’s so nice to be able to talk to someone that understands the struggle of balancing university, life, and a disability. It’s incredibly reassuring to know that they’re always there to support and help me whenever I need them.”
Find out more about MJ’s course by clicking here!
If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available in the Weston College Group here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College Group has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College Group is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.
