Katerina’s animal management journey

Katerina studied the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management for two years.

“Before studying at Capel Manor College I knew I wanted to pursue a career with animals. I was 14 when I started working at a local cattery and always had a vision of working with animals even before this. Although I was certain that I wanted to enter the animal industry and had some base knowledge, I was not certain of the exact path I wanted to take. 

I loved that the College offered a course which covered all bases in animal life. I knew that this course would increase my knowledge and allow me to explore other aspects of the industry. I loved that there were a variety of modules in different areas and I could gain practical skills as opposed to just theoretical knowledge by doing A Levels.

Capel Manor College helped us develop skills specific to us and also provided opportunities such as focusing further on one area or carrying out voluntary hours. By being on this course, I realised that I enjoyed the variety of topics and went on to study a similarly structured course at university. I became confident working with a variety of species and my lecturers had a positive impact on me. Currently I am an Education and Presentations Officer at a bird zoological collection. I hope to remain working with birds whilst contributing towards conservation through education – I love that I am able to practice the roles of a keeper as well as run educational sessions and displays. 

Before studying at Capel Manor College I was very shy and would have never pictured myself being a teacher. I became much more confident, not just because I was able to finally be in my element and pursue my goals, but also because of my experiences at the College and the support I received with pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the College and would have definitely stayed on had they ran higher education courses at the time. I would most definitely recommend Capel Manor College to any student deciding whether to study there or not.”

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.