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We love keeping up with our students once they gain their qualifications and set sail into the world of work. We recently caught up with Emma Collins, who completed a HND in Animal Management back in 2019, and hasn’t stopped achieving incredible things since. Here’s what Emma had to say about studying Animal Management at The Sheffield College...

"Hello there,

I’m Emma Collins and if you’re reading this, contemplating your choices, do it, take the leap follow your heart to study Animal Management at The Sheffield College. In June 2019 I completed my HND in Animal Management after starting four years previously at Level 3, and from there, life has been providing some of the most amazing experiences I could have asked for.

Let’s take it right back to my study, I worked hard, I played hard, and I studied hard (I hear you…nerd) but it all pays off. Whilst studying, I was extremely lucky to be offered an opportunity from my first work experience, my first foot in the door in animal care and an unlocking of a passion I am still in love with – Animal Welfare!

During my 4 years of study, I worked for Society for Abandoned Animals and thus had the chance to put the knowledge and the hands-on experience I was gaining from the course into real world situations. A combination that proved invaluable.

In between completing the Level 3 diploma, and starting the HND, I went on holiday to New Zealand. In hindsight, this little break resulted in an impulsive, life changing decision after graduating. Once I completed the HND, I took all I had learnt and ran to the other side of the world. I landed myself a job immediately as an Animal Care Team Leader working for RNZSPCA, a job I worked in for 4 years, putting so many aspects of the course into action. Not only was I working for the biggest animal welfare organisation in the nation (law and ethics – struggle city at college but it all makes sense now), I was incorporating the whole range of subjects – but specifically animal handling, law and ethics, conservation, veterinary nursing, animal anatomy and physiology, and animal nutrition being at the forefront of my everyday life. This knowledge and the breadth of area allowed me to not only do the job but succeed beyond my dreams.

The next big leap I took, happened two years ago when I jumped into veterinary nursing full time, the development my peers and I have seen since has been astronomical – again, something I don’t believe would have been possible without The Sheffield College and the incredible tutors I had looking out and rooting for me daily, and that’s my story so far… but I know it won't be the end!"

If Emma’s story has inspired you to achieve in the world of animal care, apply now, and make sure to get back in touch in seven years' time to let us know where in the world you are!