Bioveterinary Science graduate Chloe talks about what she's doing following her degree

Hello, my name is Chloe and I completed by Bioveterinary Science with a foundation year at the University of Chester in 2024.

What has Chloe done since completing her studies with Chester?

I am now a secondary mathematics School-Centred Initial Teacher Trainee (SCITT) working towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE), studying with the Educate Group and Leeds Beckett University.

My typical week as a teacher trainee on a SCITT includes online training once a week with the Educate Group and four days working within a school placement. I am currently teaching around four lessons and two starters a week. My day within a school usually consists of observing mathematic lessons, teaching, meetings, lesson planning, and university work. I am currently on half term, so my week has consisted of planning lessons and university assignments for my PGCE. To gain a PCGE I have three assignments to complete throughout the year.

This is my first job after graduating. I was not sure what I wanted to do with my degree, but I knew I wanted a sociable job where I was able to help people. I got in touch with Get into Teaching which is fully funded by the government to answer and guide any prospective teacher trainees. After multiple conversations with Get into Teaching and my personal mentor from them, I decided to apply to be a teacher trainee in mathematics in June 2024. As I had a degree with some mathematical elements and A level mathematics, I was able to apply for teaching secondary mathematics without any further qualifications.

Chloe's experience studying Bioveterinary Science at Chester

I thoroughly enjoyed my Bioveterinary degree, and I am grateful for all the people I have met and the skills I have learnt from this degree. The support I received throughout my years at Chester was exceptional from all my lecturers and especially from my PAT and dissertation supervisor which I am extremely grateful for. Oddly enough my favourite, yet most stressful year of university, was my final one as I enjoyed applying all my knowledge I had learnt to my dissertation. I am proud of all the hard work and dedication I put into my dissertation that I even presented my work voluntarily at conferences. These conferences enabled me to gain confidence presenting my work in front of many other scientists, which led me to believing in myself that I could become a teacher. The University of Chester provided so many opportunities to gain help when needed, such as Careers and Employability, PAT meetings and work-based learning. It was my work-based learning placement that made me realise what I did not want to do as a future career, this was crucial for me in then working out what I did want to do.

I am using so many skills that I have learnt or built on from my degree, such as workload management, organisational skills, presentation skills, confidence etc. I do not think I realised how many skills I have gained from university until now.

Chloe's top tips for students

I have so, so, so many top tips for current students, but that would be a whole other page. My top three tips are:

1. Take advantage of any opportunities that come your way and put yourself out there – this looks great on your CV or in an interview.
2. Your PAT and dissertation supervisor are there to help you! If they suggest something, I would do it! If you need any help, ask for a meeting! The amount of meetings I had with mine – gosh!
3. Keep your options open – apply for multiple different jobs, get your name out there and make connections.