A degree from USC has given Bray Park graduate Jennah Murray the confidence to book a one-way ticket to the United Kingdom to work at a zoo.

The 21-year-old graduated recently with a Bachelor of Animal Ecology, after studying at the Sunshine Coast campus for three years and is excited to finish working two jobs in order to chase her dreams overseas.

“Until yesterday I was working for a pet motel and in a corporate office, but now I plan to find a job working in a zoo in the UK,” said Jennah, who attended Mt Maria College in Petrie.

“Hopefully I can educate the greater population and maybe someone will fall in love with animals like I did and spread the word to help conserve the amazing creatures around us.”

Jennah – who is the first in her family to attend university – said she enjoyed the hands-on nature of working with animals, and the fact that each day was different and challenging.

“Working at the pet motel was similar to the work I did in Cambodia with Free the Bears, only I was working with cats and dogs rather than sun and moon bears,” she said.

Jannah said her studies at USC gave her a broad overview of different species and ecosystems that would allow her to choose from a range of careers.

“University has also given me the opportunity to meet others working in the industry, which will hopefully help me build a career in the conservation and ecology of land-based animals,” Jennah said.

“Almost every one of my classes had field work so I was able to build my skills and confidence, rather than just learn the theory, and the facilities were so advanced and accessible, so I particularly enjoyed lab class.”

Being the first in her family to attend university, Jennah said she initially felt overwhelmed with options, but quickly made her choice after visiting USC.

“USC offered a unique degree that seemed to fit perfectly with what I had in my head and, after walking onto campus during Open Day, my mind was made up. I loved the laid-back and fun feeling I got as soon as I walked in,” she said.

Applications are open to study at USC, starting Semester 2. Details on how to apply can be found at www.usc.edu.au/learn