Olly Jenner on placement

Olly Jenner is from Devon and will graduate with a BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare in 2015. He spent his work placement year at Chester Zoo, working alongside zoo keepers.

Did you visit Harper Adams on an open day?

Yes, I enjoyed the open day; I most liked the atmosphere of the uni and the fact it was very personal and that everyone knew each other.

Why did you choose to study here?

Its high employability rating and the placement year.

What have been the highlights of your course so far?

My placement year and trips out to safari parks, boarding kennels and zoos.

What is your final year research project?

I specialise in exotic animal study so I chose to do my project on tortoise forage preference tests.

How would you describe Harper Adams?

Highly enjoyable.

And the teaching?

Useful and predominantly engaging.

What do you think of the campus?

It is neat and tidy and I find the squash courts and library most useful.

What’s the social life like?

Social life is top crack. My favourite SU activity has been Harper Take Me Out!

And your favourite times at Harper Adams so far?

Being voted the most improved and most admirable football player at the football socials.

Have you explored Shropshire and beyond campus?

Yes I have, I enjoy the Wrekin and the surrounding countryside/nature reserves.

What do you do in your spare time?

I play for the football team regularly when I can, work at the bar and try to join in the mammal surveys organised by lecturer Nicky Hunter.

What did you do on placement?

I worked at Chester Zoo as a Herpetology and Invertebrate Intern (essentially a zoo keeper). It involved husbandry, nutrition, hygiene, etc.

What were the best things about placement?

Sharing the same building as some highly interesting people and animals.

Have you been able to use anything you learned on placement in your final year?

Yes certainly. The main skills which involve animal husbandry cannot be translated back onto uni work directly. However, the focus on long-term goals and targets is an attribute that I hold in higher priority now.

How will placement help you in the future?

I have learned unique skills alongside some very useful and awesome contacts.