Sam's story

Sam’s careers adviser supported him to identify his next steps into university.

During the summer before starting Year 12, Sam had completed work experience at a veterinary surgery. This confirmed his ambition to become a vet.

Initial challenges

Sam, from Bridgend, was studying for A Levels in biology, physics, and chemistry when he started Year 12.

After starting his classes Sam quickly realised that chemistry, a subject often needed for veterinary courses, was not right for him.

Sam said: “It wasn't what I was used to. I figured out that I could not go the full two years doing something I did not enjoy. So I got in contact with Claire, my careers adviser at the school, and she spoke through it with me.”

Getting advice

Claire advised Sam that it was a good time to make a change at this early stage of his A Levels, if that was what he wanted.

He said: “We spoke through it, and she helped me realise that over the first couple of weeks of school I was enjoying my biology work a lot more.”

Claire supported Sam to explore all of his options, and what university courses he could do.

Sam explained: “I still wanted to work with animals because that was a massive push factor for me, and we came to the decision that it would be good to look into doing something like biological sciences or zoology at university.”

Next steps

Sam found out from Claire about the integrated master's degree, which combines a bachelor's degree with postgraduate studies. Sam said: “The grades were there so I wanted to work towards the top group universities.

"Over the summer, I worked with Claire on my personal statement. Then, I started my UCAS application, and eventually with Claire’s help, I applied to do zoology at Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow, and Exeter and I got offers from all four of them.”

Looking ahead

Sam’s first choice is the University of Bristol, where he hopes to study an integrated master’s degree in zoology.

His long-term goal is to obtain a PhD and engage in research focused on animals and animal behaviour. He shared: “I want to do zoology more than anything.”

Advice for peers

Sam advises other young people: “Don’t panic and find someone to talk to. Talk to them about whatever you're feeling, tell them what your worries are and go from there.

“I'm sure that whatever you do, whatever you decide to do in your A levels or your GCSE's, you will find support and you'll be able to go forward and use whatever qualifications you've got to go and do the things you really love.”

If you would like to explore your interests and opportunities with a careers adviser, please contact us today.

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