Iris Atkinson

For my work experience at college, I worked at a racehorse rehabilitation yard that also ran an equine assisted learning alternative provision. Here I worked with students and difficult horses, helping the students to build confidence and extend their equine knowledge while caring for the horses needs and improving my own experience in the equestrian industry.

I currently work part time around my college schedule at a bar and restaurant in my local area. As part of my role I manage multiple tables in the restaurant in a friendly manner in order to enhance the dining experience to a high level. I also make and serve drinks behind the bar and have experience in opening and closing the bar, restocking fridges, changing barrels and doing stock counting. A huge part of my job is to communicate with customers to achieve satisfaction. This job has improved my customer service skills hugely as well as how to work accurately under pressure during busy periods.

In 2021 I set up my own pet sitting business in my local area and over the past few years I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing customers and animals which taught me so many important life skills such as communicating over email as well as in person and being trusted with the responsibility of caring for people's pets and ensuring the security of their home. I designed a website for my business as well as setting my pricing and I do all the admin and invoicing myself. Owning my own business is something I am extremely passionate about and something I would like to pursue in my future.

I also engaged in work experience at AshBrook Equine Hospital in Knutsford where I observed common veterinary practices such as lameness work ups, minor surgeries and x-rays. I learned so much during my time there and it helped me observe different parts of the equestrian industry that may interest me when it comes to deciding career pathways.

As my first part time job, I was working as a waitress in a pub where I had to deal with busy and stressful situations as well as multi-tasking in difficult scenarios. I have experience running food, glass collecting, serving, changing barrels as well as pouring and making drinks and doing any extra jobs needed. This job taught me so much from being able to cope under stress to communicating with customers to effective time management.

From 2019 – 2021 I volunteered at an Equestrian Riding School and small animal farm. This required me to work with both adults and children as well as horses amongst other animals where I learned how to problem solve when in difficult situations as well as developing my communication skills when communicating not only with my colleagues but also young children. I worked there for 7 hours every Saturday and 4 hours every Tuesday and Wednesday.