< Info : Case Studies : Linda

Linda - Access to Science - Degree in Animal Biology - Zoologist

"I was prompted to go back into education when the textile factory where I had worked for 15 years closed down and I was made redundant. I had recently separated from my husband, had no children and I felt I had to make a new start.

I made an appointment with a Careers Guidance Advisor at a local advice centre to explore options available. At school, I had been quite good at maths and chemistry and I particularly enjoyed Biology. I left at the age of sixteen with 5 'O' grades but did not continue in education for financial reasons.

I wanted a complete change but was not sure what I wanted to do next. The Careers Adviser suggested a helpful 'Options and Choices' course, with an opportunity to job shadow professionals. I picked completely different environments for the job shadowing part of the course. I asked to shadow an Accountant, an IT Consultant and a Zoologist. It was immediately clear to me that Accountancy and IT were just not for me, but I loved my day at the Zoo, following the Zoologist round and watching all the aspects of her work with the animals. I also watched her give a talk to a group of primary school children which I found quite inspiring.

My mind was made up - I wanted to become a Zoologist. However, I did not have the required Highers to go to university and had no idea how to get them.

Back on the 'Options and Choices' course the next day, the course tutor explained that there were other routes into university for adults. She told me about the SWAP Access to Science programme and gave me the SWAP Freephone number to call for further information. The SWAP student adviser was really helpful. She confirmed that if I completed the SWAP Access to Science programme, one of my options could be to do a BSc (Hons) in Animal Biology and sent me an information pack.

The Access year was one of great discovery for me, giving me thirst for more knowledge and helping me realise the potential I had. This was all thanks to my SWAP course leader and constant support and encouragement.

Four years later, I graduated with an Honours degree in Animal Biology. This opened the door to a number of careers that appealed to me and I did actually apply for a job with an environmental agency. But when I saw an ad for a vacancy in a zoo south of the border, there was no holding me back. Now I am happily settled in a new town, with new friends and the job of my dreams!

I think returning to learning was one of the best decisions I ever made. Everyone can achieve whatever they set out to do with the right kind of support that is available today."