EQUINE Lecturer???

[Perfect_Pirouette]

Ok so, for some reason last night the penny finally dropped for me and something clicked. I have finally thought of the ideal career for me. An equine lecturer. I'd love to teach and my biggest passion in my life is horses, so why not put the two together? I honestly do believe that this could be my dream job, i'm not saying it would be an easy job, not by far, but i don't want easy, just something that would interest and challange me.

I looked at my local agricultural college's website and there is actually a job going at the moment for an equine lecturer. The essential things the applicants must have are.....

A driving licence- got.

Academic/practical experience in an equine realted industry....haven't got

A degree- got.


Able to use own initiative
Highly motivated
Enthusiastic
Flexible/adaptable. - I truly believe i am all these.

There are also loads of desirables, which I haven't got. Would i be punching way above my weight and make a total idiot out of myself by applying? But i've decided, even if the answers yes, this is definately something i want to do.

Is anyone here an equine lecturer or has anyone here been one? Does anyone know how i would go about getting the right qualifications i need to do this job? I'm thinking of ringing up the college tomorrow and asking

I feel annoyed that i have spent the last 3 years doing a degreee that tbh i have no interest in when i could've been doing something to help me do this! But hindsights a wonderful thing eh!

 

[E_Lister]

I say go for it, if you don't you will only regret it later!

 

[JoJo_]

Can I ask what your degree is?

Not too sure all the things you'll need to become an equine lecturer but I am guessing an equine degree would help. Would probably need teaching experience like what normal teachers need. I'm sure someone at the college would be able to tell you if you called them.

I was told today that my local agricultural college is making a lot of lecturers redundant at the mo.

 

[Perfect_Pirouette]

My degree isn't equine related at all, it's in sociology. The application form does state that a teaching qual isn't neccesary, but the candidate would have to be willing to complete a PGCE or equivalent in 2 years. Which i would be more than willing to do, BUT i have no horse related quals at all, just GCSE's, A levels and a non equine degree. I think i'm going to have to do most of the BHS quals and then start from there

think i'll ring up the college tomorrow and just have a chat!

 

[Walrus]

To be honest, if you don't have industry experience then I would assume they will want you to have a degree that will provide you with the relevent knowledge to teach something on the courses they provide. So either equine science, animal science, a biology degree of somesort for their science based modules or at a push a business type degree as many equine colleges teach business management alongside their equine courses. Otherwise I'm not entirely sure what they can get you to teach their students. From what I've seen many colleges require people who can teach the more practical courses e.g. BHS stages, NVQ's etc. as well as teach modules on the degree courses which are invariably science / biology based (e.g. exercise physiology, nutrition, reproduction) or management based e.g. running a yard, stud mangement etc. Although they will be willing to take someone on to train in the teaching side of things I'm doubtful they would take someone with no relevent experience otherwise you'll be at the same level of knowledge in the things you'll be teaching as the students.

It's worth calling them though, I may be totally wrong or they may be able to give you some good advice as to what they are looking for and what you need to do the job. Good luck.

 

[Perfect_Pirouette]

Yeh, i dont expect atm to be able to walk into the job, in fact i may never be able to get a job like that but i do know that some sort of career in horses would make me very happy so am going to look into doing my BHS exams etc. And i thought my education had finished now i've finished my degree!!

 

[VictoriaEDT]

Do you have an MSc? This is a requirement to teach Higher Education (degree). You dont need the MSc to teach at Further Education level though (NVQs etc)

 

[Equus Leather]

Really don't want to piss on your bonfire here, but teaching really has little to do with the subject, so if it's a career with horses, being an equine lecturer isn't going to give you that.

I've landed a job as an animal and equine lecturer starting in sept. I had all of the required qualifications and all of the desireds.

I was offered the permanant position, they have readvertised the temp position as non of the candidates matched the criteria.

Think you need to get some teaching in a classroom experience first, see if you like it.

 

[beutifulwobble]

hey hun- good idea to ring them up and have a chat first. i agree with the idea of getting classroom experience first tho. i am a science teacher with and equine science degree in a 11-18 comp. i love teaching, however friends who have gone into lecturing as they thought it would be a good way to use their horsey skills have hated it!!!! I am not raining on your parade in the slightest but check you like teaching first as i have seen lots of people try it and not like it at all

good luck xxx

 

[Equus Leather]

Well said wobble. I was a science teacher the same as you, stuck it for 3 years, went down the pastoral route assistant head of year etc etc. It's hard, hard work!