Top Tips for Graduates Looking to Work with Animals

If you’ve just completed a life sciences degree and have a passion for animal welfare and research, you’re not alone. Many graduates want to work with animals, but aren’t sure where to begin. At Agenda, we help bridge that gap and guide you from graduation to a fulfilling role in animal research.

Below are our top tips for launching your career and how we can support you every step of the way.

Understand What the Role Involves

Before applying for animal research graduate jobs, it helps to know what day-to-day work looks like. Most animal technician roles involve caring for animals and recording data to support research teams. The work is hands-on and detailed. You’ll be responsible for feeding, cleaning, and monitoring animals as part of a wider research effort in order to contribute to meaningful scientific discoveries.

Get Experience Where You Can

Any animal care experience helps. Volunteer at shelters, wildlife centres, or veterinary practices. This shows your commitment and builds your confidence. Experience with handling animals will also strengthen your application for life sciences graduate jobs in research settings. Even small roles can show employers that you’re ready to work in a professional environment with animals.

Match your CV to the Industry

Don’t send a general CV. Focus on your skills that relate to animal research. Include examples of data collection or any animal handling experience. Make it clear why you’re interested in careers in life sciences and why animal research appeals to you. If you’re unsure where to start, our consultants at Agenda offer free CV support.

Look for Structured Training

Many of the best animal research careers start with entry-level roles that include formal training. These pathways allow you to learn on the job and gain industry-recognised qualifications. When you register with Agenda, you’ll get access to jobs that offer this type of progression. It’s one of the reasons so many graduates trust us to kickstart their animal research careers.

Think Long-Term from the Start

The role you take after graduation doesn’t define your whole career, but it can shape it. Starting as an animal technician can even lead to supervisory roles. When we place graduates in animal research graduate jobs, we always consider where they want to go next. Career development is a core part of our support.

Use a Specialist Life Sciences Recruiter

At Agenda, we’re the only life sciences recruitment agency in the UK with in-house animal facilities. We know what employers need and what candidates are looking for. Our team offers expert advice and ongoing support from application through to your first day in the role.

Why Work with Agenda?

We’ve placed hundreds of graduates in life sciences graduate jobs across the UK. Our candidates benefit from:

  • Guaranteed pay between placements
  • A dedicated consultant
  • Help with CVs and interviews
  • Industry insights and exclusive roles you won’t find anywhere else

You’ll also get access to occupational health support, industry memberships, and training opportunities. We believe graduates deserve real support and rewarding careers.

Ready to Start Your Animal Research Career?

Register with Agenda today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in animal research.