Assistance required to find placement.

the_worrier · 22 Mar 2015 at 09:11

I understand that this is going to be a long shot on a computer/tech forum but...

My 19 yr old daughter is studying a BSc hons degree in Animal Behaviour at Harper Adams University, a very well respected institution in this field near Telford, Shropshire. As a family we live in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

For her 3rd (of 4) year she has to complete a year 'in industry', commencing Sep '15. She is principally interested in small, companion animals and in particular dogs. She is not studying veterinary nursing and the placement can be paid or unpaid.

The animal genre is a specialised area with stiff competition for placements of any sort. The Uni have been of little practical help securing an actual placement but I do recognise that at her age the onus does very much rest on the student: She has tried for months, telephoning, emailing, following up her own enquiries, etc with no luck. Settings are either full or baulk at the idea for some reason.

Do you know of an opportunity that she could follow up? She is flexible, realistic, intelligent and a really nice young woman who has hit a bit of a brick wall.

It may be that she she cannot live at home or Uni due to location/distance and she/we are aware of that, in terms of costs.

Thoughts/idea's/suggestions? Please help...

planty · 22 Mar 2015 at 09:48

I guess you may have already thought of this, but if she can't find any paid opportunities what about volunteering at a dog rescue centre, or a charity like guide dogs, dogs for the deaf, etc. ?

Xordium · 22 Mar 2015 at 10:01

Does it have to be dogs - can't she contact one of the local zoos or safari parks. I would expect that whilst it may not be in her specific area of interest she may learn a lot and also their size may mean they are more willing and able to take a student.

the_worrier · 22 Mar 2015 at 10:08

To be honest the idea of being paid is a dim and distant ideal.

Lil old me · 22 Mar 2015 at 10:17

All I can think is West Midlands Safari Park or shadow/do dog walking/dog sitting?

No dogs homes/kennels/cateries nearby?

Herman Gelmet · 22 Mar 2015 at 10:38

I would try and encourage visiting the local animal sanctuaries, as this can be a worthwhile thing to do in her situation, and if any feel right to her, she can discuss in detail with the team/manager.

Animal Sanctuary, Worcs

Good luck

[fixed link]

ikillbears · 22 Mar 2015 at 13:41

..... pics ..... obviously

radderfire · 22 Mar 2015 at 13:47

What kind of organisations has she contacted so far?

the_worrier · 22 Mar 2015 at 16:29

Hmm. An animal behaviourist would be better.

Arsonist · 22 Mar 2015 at 22:09

I work at Chester Zoo, and we take on interns every year in a variety of disciplines. Animal behaviour is something she could come and do as part of her course here, but she would need to broaden her exact interests to more than just companion species. We have dogs, but they are far from friendly! Same goes for our cats!