Hayley Worsfold - Graduate Case Study
Hayley Worsfold is an Animal Behaviour graduate who works as an Advanced Practitioner in Animal Management at Reaseheath College.
How did you get to where you are today?
During my time with LJMU I undertook a sandwich placement as a ‘Student researcher’ based at Living Coasts, Devon. The practical animal husbandry and behavioural research skills gained during this nine-month month placement along with the knowledge acquired during my degree have benefited me in every role I’ve obtained since. In fact, all job roles I have obtained can be traced back to the industry contacts and skills I gained during my placement year.
What does your current job involve?
Since first joining Reaseheath College in 2012 I have been supported in completing my Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) alongside teaching post-16 students on a range of modules that have included Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Environmental Interpretation and Zoo Animal Health and Husbandry, amongst many others. As well as the day-to-day teaching responsibilities I am a ‘Course Manager’ making me responsible for closely monitoring and supporting a specific tutorial group, helping the students to achieve their potential. With my current role as an ‘Advanced Practitioner’ I lead on a range of additional projects that include developing students’ Maths and English abilities, listening and implementing the learner’s voice along with working closely with industry to deliver courses such as the Level 3 Award in Education and training for those wishing to pursue a career in education within the animal sector.
What are the key points in your career development to date?
My sandwich placement at Living Coasts, Devon. PGCE – University of Wolverhampton. Founding member of Reaseheath College Teaching and Learning Knowledge (TALK) Group – a group designed to showcase best practice and help deliver CPD to cross-college staff.
What was the application process like?
For my position at Reaseheath College I had to submit a written application along with my CV which was graded on my ability to link my previous experience to ‘competencies’ the college valued as important e.g. accountability, honesty and integrity. Once shortlisted I attended an assessment centre which involved a panel interview, a written task, a group activity and delivering a micro teaching session. This was a full day of activities, which provided a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the range of skills I possessed relevant to the job. In order to prepare I undertook research into the college’s history/provision, the awarding body for the courses they delivered and also the subject on which I was to develop my micro teach. This combined with speaking to staff I knew that already worked at the college enabled me to gain an insight into their roles and ultimately identify examples from my own experience that would benefit the college were I to obtain the position.
Did Student Futures team at LJMU help you in any way?
During my final year at LJMU I benefited greatly from the staff working in the Student Futures Team. They helped me to review my skill set and identify the skills I had developed during my degree programme and placement year. This proved valuable when putting together a skills-based CV for job applications.
What advice would you give to other students studying at LJMU to improve their employability?
Seek additional work experience – even if it’s only the odd day here and there. Utilise the expertise of staff members. Establish which elements of your course really interest you – this will help you identify your career aspirations/options. Most importantly don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come your way – they won’t!
What tips or advice would you give for those looking for jobs in your sector?
Consider completing the Level 3 Award in Education and Training/PGCE. Contact individuals working in the sector and speak to them about how they got into the role/what their day-to-day is like. Attend conferences – meet like-minded individuals and form valuable connections.
Support from the Student Futures team
If you want to talk about potential careers options with your degree, need help finding opportunities or want support with your CV, application forms or preparing for an interview, you can get advice and guidance by booking a 30-minute 1-2-1 careers meeting with a Careers and Employability Adviser from the LJMU Student Futures Team. You can also come along to a Careers drop-in or CV Café which take place weekly at the Careers Zones for quick careers queries.
If you are thinking about starting a business, freelancing, pursuing a side-hustle or have an idea that you want to explore further, email the Start-up Hub and a member of the team will be back in touch. For more information about the Bathgate Boost Award, visit the Start-up Hub website.
For help finding part-time, temporary or casual you can fit around your studies, email the Unitemps team or visit their website.