A Final Reflection.

maisielkirkland
Mar 3, 2021
3 min read

The time I have spent at Bangor University has been the best experience of my life thus far. Not only through the people I have met and the expansion into a new dimension of my learning but the experiences and opportunities I have been lucky enough to be a part of.

Image: Approaching the summit of Snowdon.

Initially, I was apprehensive of my course as my choice of A-Levels at college did not provide me with the level of knowledge or experience that other students from, for example, animal management colleges may have had. However, where my handling experience of more exotic species lacked, my choice of Maths and Biology as A-Levels I quickly learned may have helped me with the challenges of physiology and stats.

Still not enough to enjoy using SPSS though!

As each year at Bangor passed, the modules on offer allowed me to thoroughly explore various areas of zoology and ultimately led to the development of my current primary areas of interest.

Prior to my time at university, my time spent volunteering allowed me to explore my interest with animal behaviour, specifically canine behaviour. Although still a keen interest of mine, in more recent years, through my module choices and new volunteering experiences abroad I have developed other interests within:

Conservation,

Animal behaviour across wider taxa

& Climate change and anthropogenic impacts (on both the former )

Gaining key skills and knowledge within many aspects of natural science.

I have explored climate change; how anthropogenic presence is altering the Earth's natural forces and how vast, stable environments are suddenly shifting. I have found myself fascinated with new branches of conservation, such as rewilding and have loved witnessing the story telling of a great TV presenter and explorer. Now finding myself seeking the sense of wonder that is evoked with walking alongside many wild species; becoming a part of their world.

This module, through attending an assortment of online seminars and talks and subsequently, reviewing and sharing what we had learnt, accommodated delving into our own interest further and re-evaluating the paths we had in mind for our future.

Image: Many skills learnt for utilising personal blogs.

When writing these blogs, I was able to improve my writing skills through the introduction of a new writing style; not only reporting information but reviewing and reflecting upon it and therefore, incorporating more of a personal touch through addition of my own opinions.

Therefore, What's Next?

This year I will be graduating from Bangor University and taking the next step towards my ultimate career goal.

But what even is that?

This module has taught me a lot; it has allowed me to massively explore and consider my career prospects and learn from successful individuals within the industry through listening to their advice.

One thing I take from this module however, is that currently I do not know my career goal but that's okay.

There isn't a single path to be walked from university, especially within zoology and I believe that my next step is to explore further and focus on gaining more experience. I have not decided to do a masters degree just yet, I want to focus my time on gaining valuable experience and working out the direction that is best for me before dedicating a year to researching within this area.

My remaining time at university and post-graduation will be spent reviewing opportunities within both voluntary and work experience placements, within the UK and abroad. This will allow me to gain the hands-on experience that I lack; providing me with a plethora of beneficial skills and enhance my employability down the line.

I would also love the opportunity to add to my current field based conservation experience; my time in Tenerife opened my eyes to the opportunities within research and conservation and it is something I would love to do again in the future.