Hazel’s animal management journey

Hazel began her studies at Capel Manor College with animal management at Level 3 before progressing to higher education to study veterinary medicine.

I originally wanted to study sports when I was younger, but I always loved animals. I chose Capel Manor College because it was accommodating to my working lifestyle, and the Animal Management (Level 3) course covered a variety of skills that I thought would benefit my future, for both personal and professional reasons. 

I loved working with the animals and getting hands-on experience. The Crystal Palace Campus has an exotics room and I was able to handle a tarantula for the first time! I never thought I would be able to do that. The teachers were very patient and now I have a love for all animals, Arachnids included! I enjoyed learning all the weird and wonderful facts about animals and discovering a love for science. 

By studying at the College, I gained a place at Surrey University and I will be studying veterinary medicine! What I have learned at the College has also helped me with looking after my pets at home. Recognising ill health in animals and abnormal behaviour has really allowed me to put forward the knowledge I know to improve their health and wellbeing. The College helped me realise I am smart and capable enough to go on to study whatever I put my mind to.

My future goal is to become a vet and I am now working at the Royal Veterinary College as a Theatre and Diagnostic Assistant.  I would not have got as far as I have without the support of the College and the faculty staff.”

Where are they now?

After five years studying animal management with us, Cara has continued to thrive in higher education and the animal science sector. 

Following her time at our College she progressed to her first-choice university to study BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology, a course selected to broaden the biology and animal science knowledge she first developed at Capel Manor College. Throughout her degree, Cara explored diverse areas from physiology to animal behaviour, and the fascinating crossover of behavioural physiology. 

As part of her four-year programme, Cara completed an exciting placement year that took her around the world. She spent three months at a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Ecuador followed by six months at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna contributing to sector research. 

Returning to the UK for her final year, Cara graduated with first-class honours, as well as several prestigious awards recognising her academic excellence and dedication to student leadership. 

Her success has continued beyond her undergraduate degree. Cara has now been accepted to study an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour at one of the UK’s leading institutions in this field. Alongside her postgraduate studies, she is working remotely with her research team in Vienna, conducting data analysis and contributing to multiple scientific publications. 

Cara says that Capel Manor College helped shape the confident, motivated person she is today, supporting her personal development as much as her academic journey. Her long-term dream remains to work in animal behaviour and eventually become a team leader in a canine behavioural team with a charity such as Dogs Trust, RSPCA or Battersea, before moving on to a career in education, inspiring others just as she was inspired.