I chose to do a placement year during my BSc, to gain experience to boost my employability, and to learn a bit more about career possibilities. I am especially interested in poultry, and luckily my RVC tutor had a contact in RSPCA  Assured, the RSPCA’s ethical farming label. Being able to work on a laying hen research project using their data was an amazing experience, but the most invaluable thing I gained was passion for a career in farm animal welfare. I now am focused on poultry welfare, with contacts in the field and thoughts of doing a Master’s.