The careers and placement fair took place on the 11^th November 2025, and unfortunately the animal student representation was still seen to be lower than as other course areas. In general, the fair was lower on numbers compared the previous years, so although it is disappointing for the animal students, it is not a surprise the numbers remained low.

It was great to see the organisations who did turn up – Dodford Children’s Farm Charity, Luosko German Shepherd Dog Rescue, and Second Nature Behaviour.

The aim of this campaign was to make students within the animal health, behaviour and welfare department to feel more seen by the university when it came to their placement and career options. These students wanted to see more animal-based jobs away from the commercial agriculture-based animal jobs that are often seen at the fairs.

 As much as effort was made by myself and the careers department to increase the numbers, unfortunately numbers did not increase as much as I had hoped.

I can only apologise to the students expecting more of an animal’s presence at the fair, and especially to those students who spoke to me on the day to advise of their disappointment.  

Moving forwards, I aim to focus on the alternative options and get back in touch with the relevant placement managers to discuss what could be done during course tutor and/or placement sessions for these students.