Katie
Hays

“My name is Katie Hays. I studied BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology at NTU, and am now working as a Zoo Keeper at Woodside Wildlife Park.

“My job role is to care for the animals. My day consists of cleaning and maintaining enclosures, preparing food and feeding the animals, delivering shows and educational talks as well as guiding school groups around the park. Often the role also involves jobs such as maintaining plants and keeping the park clean and tidy. It is a very tiring job but can be very rewarding!

“The skills and knowledge I gained at university helped me get to where I am now and still support me on the job. The most important experience I had while at NTU however was my placement year. I found a placement via the Employability team and worked as an animal assistant at Woodside Wildlife Park. When a job came up at the park I applied and got the job because they knew me from my placement year. Without my placement I know I would not have the job I have today!

“My top tip to getting a job in the animal industry would be to take the placement year during your studies and get as much experience as possible. It doesn’t have to necessarily be with exotic animals either, any experience with animals is really valuable and it is what employers are looking for.”