Professional Development Plan

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1.Introduction
After a 15 year gap from formal education, embarking on a
Professional Development Plan feels like a logical and helpful place
to start.
I hope to bring together, in what will become a changing and growing
document, the experience that bears on where I am currently, both
educationally and professionally, and where I hope to be a year from
now.
One of the many advantages of PDP, as outlined by Palgrave Study
Skills (2014), is "being in a better position to compete for jobs"
BIAZA (2014) describes competition as 'fierce' for those of us who
wish to work with animals, with some zookeeper vacancies attracting
as many as 100 applicants per post (University of Florida 2014).
When examining the skills that are required to reach my professional
goals, it is clear that the gap between my current position and my
destination needs some clear planning to bridge.

2. Starting Points and 'drawing the map'
Through applying a formal SWOT analysis (appendix 0), I have
identified some important strengths that can be used as a
springboard for the coming year, educationally and professionally.
I have some experience of collecting information and data to form
ideas/hypotheses or essay themes. I am competent at accessing
information on the internet and using various computer software
programs. I am used to working to a deadline and am good at
prioritising tasks. I can use reference texts, take notes and i have an
excellent grasp of English language. I have a reasonable ability to
understand and interpret numerical information and can present
information using graphs and tables. I am a confident communicator.
As a commited dog owner over the last 30 years, I have a good
understanding of the practical needs of animals in my care,
specifcally as outlined in the Animal Welfare Act (2006) and my legal
responsibilities, as listed in the same legislation.
Having not been in formal education for 15 years, there are many
weaknesses in my study skills set, I have yet to learn how to use the

'Heritage' library system, I am not yet competent at using the Harvard
Referencing system and I have not had much experience at
presenting reports, interpreting data or reading academic journals.
Professionally I am lacking in many of the basic skills and experience
required to meet the criteria outlined by Lantra in thier 'Animal Care
Management National Occupational Standards' (2011). I have never
had experience of developing and implementing an animal welfare
plan formally ( NOS ACM2), or for any animal other than a domestic
dog. I have very little knowledge of species specific behaviour or the
motivational needs of most animal species excepting the domestic
dog (NOS ACM4). I am, as yet unfamiliar with the Veterinary
Surgeons Act (1966).
Having started the FdSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, I have felt
confident to email the UK Wolf Conservation Trust with hopes of
securing a work placement with them (appendix. 1 email record).
UKWCT receive very many more requests yearly for placements than
they are able to provide, and I am very pleased to have been offered
the opportunity to work with them every Wednesday over the next 6
months (appendix 1 email record)
One of the potential threats to this placement is the possibility that the
wolves and staff will find the one day a week arrangement unsuitable,
as the usual arrangement is a minimum 'immersion' period of two
weeks in order that the wolves can adapt to my presence.
By the 14th of November two more potential placements will be
investigated as potential 'back ups' should UKWCT be unsuitable.

3.Placing My Future Self Within the Industry
Since 1992, with the financial support of the LIFE
(L'instrument Financier pour L'enviroment) funding structure,
there have been at least 70 ongoing conservation projects
specifically concerned with Europe's five native large
carnivore species. Finding a role in this, or an associated
area of work is a potential goal.
I am looking forward to learning about the scope of current

conservation projects in the UK relating to small carnivores,
and am also interested in further developing my learning with
domestic dogs.

4.Bridging the Gap
i. Between 20/10/14 and 05/01/15
It is imperative that I further develop my time management skills,
giving a coherent structure to the time availability for each section of
the course including wider reading. A large scale timetable for my
wall.
Gaining confidence within my placement and beginning to develop
my understanding of wolves both behaviourly (ACM 4 ) and within the
context of thier conservation profile and needs (ACM 9). I will keep a
logbook of wolf behaviours observed whilst on placement. I will read
at least one reccommended text/journal on large carnivore
conservation.
Through the animal welfare assignment, develop skills relating to
'needs assessments' , and 'housing, dietary and exercise
requirements' of animals, as outlined in Lantra (ACM 2)

i Between 20/10/14 and 13/04/15

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