What next?
We hope that your time studying with us is an enjoyable experience and increases your appetite for learning and your desire to make a difference to the welfare of animals. Ultimately upon completing your chosen qualification we hope that you either continue onto further study or gain employment in a relevant field.
The decision on what to do after your course, starts long before the end of your programme, in fact it can often be a consideration before you even enrol onto your chosen programme. We are here to support you each step of the way to make the decisions that are right for you and your individual circumstances, and help you to achieve your future career goals and aspirations.
After completing your programme, you may decide to:
- Continue studying with us
- Go on to study elsewhere
- Find employment
Further study at The College of Animal Welfare
It may be that you wish to undertake a further qualification in either a related subject or at a higher level. Many of our students choose to remain studying with us; some choose to progress onto their next level course, whilst others may discover during their programme a different area they are interested in. For example, some of our animal care students go onto a higher level animal care course, and some choose to apply for a veterinary nursing or dog grooming programme.
Whilst you are studying with us you will receive regular tutorials and reviews. These will provide you with the opportunity to, not only review your progress on your course, but also to discuss your future plans. This will ensure you are on track to achieve your qualification and allow you to discuss your options so you can progress to where you want to be.
Studying elsewhere
You may wish to continue studying but find that we may not have the right next course for you. In which case we will signpost you to other course providers who offer the qualification you are looking for. Past students have gone on to various other colleges or on to University to study topics such as animal behaviour, zoology or equine science.
Finding employment
You may wish to look for employment working in the animal care or veterinary sector once you have finished your course. There are a number of online jobs sites that can help you in your search:
Create a CV Profile
Publish a CV and help employers find you!
CAW Job Board
Animal care, equine and veterinary jobs – you can also advertise that you are looking for a work!
Vetclick.com
Animal behaviour, veterinary, charity work and commercial jobs
Animal Jobs Direct
Animal care and veterinary jobs
Yard and Groom
Equestrian jobs
Equine Careers
Equestrian jobs
The British Horse Society
Equestrian jobs
British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Zoology jobs
Horse and Hound
Equestrian jobs
Kennel and Cattery
Boarding kennel and cattery jobs
Apprenticeship Vacancy Search
Search for apprenticeship vacancies
CV Writing and interview techniques
We suggest that you take a look at the National Careers Service website, they can help with CV writing, writing letters of application, interview techniques as well as information on starting a new job and gaining work experience.
Not sure what to do next?
If you are not sure what to do next it is important to speak to your tutor and/or other careers advisors who may be able to help you. You can also take a look at our careers section.
Careers with Animals Day
Once a year we hold an online ‘Careers with Animals Day’ where we invite various organisations to speak regarding different careers that are available in the animal care sector. It is a unique opportunity to meet representatives from many different areas of the animal care world and ask the questions you want answered.
Past exhibitors include Guide Dogs, The Blue Cross, The British Horse Society, African Conservation Experience, The Open College of Equine Studies, the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and many more!
Visit the Careers With Animals website for dates and further information.
Work experience
Work experience forms a vital part of many of our courses, allowing you to get real experience of different job possibilities. However, if you are still unsure as to what you would like to do once you have completed your qualification, it is always helpful to gain extra experience outside of College. Not only will it look good on your CV but it may provide you with ideas, references and contacts!
If you are still not sure, there are many online careers sites to look through – one such site is the National Careers Service – this site is packed full of information of different types of jobs in the animal sector and is well worth a look.
Keeping in touch
As with all professions, it is important to keep your knowledge up-to-date through Continuous Professional Development (CPD). It not only keeps you updated with any developments within your field of work but also helps you to stay motivated and focussed.
CPD can be through a variety of methods, from reading journals and books through to short courses or qualifications.
We run a range of short courses on a variety of topics that you may be interested in – visit our CPD page.
CAW Alumni
After you complete your studies with The College of Animal Welfare, you will receive our CAW Alumni newsletter which allows you to keep up-to-date with the latest industry and college news, enjoy alumni discounts, and even new career opportunities.