Bethany Atkin is applying for a job and provides her resume. She includes her contact information, education history, employment history and references. She obtained a 2:1 degree in Zoology from the University of Leeds and has work experience in animal care, research, retail and volunteering.

1. Bethany Atkin
Home Address: 96 Springfield Avenue, Morley, Leeds, LS27 9PW
Email: beth.atkin@hotmail.com
Mobile Number: 07530996654
Personal Statement
I am a quietly confident individual who is trustworthy and dedicated. I am patient,
hardworking, a fast learner, and will be able to complete any job that is needed to a high
standard. My timekeeping skills are excellent and I work well in a pressured environment. My
hobbies include outdoor activities, sightseeing and all things animal related. I am extremely
passionate about conservation, animal care and rehabilitation. I have two horses at a local
livery yard that I share with my sister. They require a high level of care, commitment and
responsibility.
Education
University of Leeds: September 2013 - June 2016.
Obtained a degree in Bsc (Hons) Zoology with an overall grade of 2:1. I have completed a
range of modules including: animal behaviour, evolution, development, and genetics. I have
carried out many lab projects and tasks to a high standard, including work with C. elegans
and D. melanogaster, up to animals as large as sticklebacks and hermit crabs. Throughout
my university course, I have taken part in three field courses (in South Africa, Scarborough
and Pembrokeshire) which involved data collection and scientific report writing via active
field work.
My dissertation, named ‘The impact of the seed-eating wasp Megastigmus transvaalensis on
the seed production of the invasive species Schinus terebinthifolius’ studied whether this
wasp species would be suitable for release as a potential biological control agent and is
available on request for reading. It consisted of 56 hours of independent, unsupervised data
collection in a lab environment, as well as approximately 200 hours of research and writing.
My dedication to this project and the quality of the final report makes me feel extremely
proud. I received a mark of 67 (i.e. a high 2:1) for this project.
Notre Dame Sixth Form College: September 2011 – July 2013.
I obtained 3 A levels including: A in Biology, B in Chemistry and B in Maths. I also achieved
a pass in PTE (Philosophy, Theology & Ethics).
The Morley Academy: September 2006 – June 2011.
During my time at high school, I received 15 GCSEs (including Maths and English). I also
achieved a Grade 3 in clarinet.
Employment History
August 2012 – May 2016: Sales Assistant at Matalan.
I delivered many aspects of customer service by working on the tills, restocking the shop
floor, and assisting customers to the best of my ability. I specialised on the children’s
clothes, where I tidied up and size ordered the clothes; consequently learning the position
and identity of all of the stock on the department over time allowing me to help customers to
an excellent quality. I also helped customers over the phone, dealing with their requests and
giving advice to a high standard. Being a sales assistant has allowed me to build my
confidence, team working and communication skills.

2. Work Experience
13th
July – 21st
August 2015: Placement at Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal
Medicine
I carried out a six week placement assisting a Post-Doctoral researcher where I learnt new
laboratory skills and refined existing skills via methods such as carrying out tissue cultures,
FACS analysis, gel electrophoresis, PCR, bacterial culture and transformation, DNA
extraction, immunofluorescence and Biacore analysis. I began my first few days by
shadowing my Post-Doctoral supervisor, then I carried out most of the tasks with his
direction. I also attended meetings to discuss the weekly progress of the study and discuss
ideas regarding improving the experiments in the future. I learned quickly and was soon
trusted to carry out tissue cultures and electrophoresis without supervision.
August 2014 – January 2015: Cats Protection Volunteer
Volunteered once or twice a week, carrying out many tasks such as cleaning the pens,
feeding the cats, socialising with the cats, and showing potential new owners around the
shelter. I acquired skills regarding general animal care and welfare, as well as learning how
to teach others to look after the cats to a good standard.
June 2008 – June 2012: Volunteer at Willows Nook Riding Academy
I began working as a general stable hand, caring for the horses and leading beginner level
riders in lessons. As my performance improved, I then helped to organize and guide the
younger volunteers and teach people general horse care. I also cared for a range of small
animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and dogs on a daily basis. During my last 6
months I also taught riding lessons to both children and adults, very much improving my
communication skills. Throughout this period and more recently, I regularly took part in local
level show jumping on my horse. Additionally, I attended weekly ‘staff training’ sessions
where we learnt a range of first aid techniques.
June 2012: Pet and Garden World
Took part in one week of work experience where I cleaned out enclosures and learnt a lot
about the general care/handling of a range of birds, small mammals and reptiles. I was
quickly trusted to be left alone in the enclosures and speak to customers about looking after
their potential new pet.
April 2010: Middleton Park Equestrian Centre
Undertook one week of work experience at a riding centre for the disabled. This week
consisted mainly of yard work and caring for the horses, alongside learning to communicate
with both the disabled riders and their carers’, especially during riding lessons.

3. References
Matalan Management Team:
Hannah Metcalf, Richard Chapman, Scott
Wood or Tracey Thatcher
Lower Wortley Rd,
Leeds,
LS12 4SL
Tel: 0113 2907400
Dissertation Supervisor:
Dr Stephen Compton
University of Leeds,
Faculty of Biological Sciences,
Manton Building 8.07
Leeds,
LS2 9JT
Tel: 0113 3432879
Email: S.G.A.Compton@leeds.ac.uk
Placement Supervisor:
Dr Euan Baxter
Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and
Musculoskeletal Medicine,
St James University Hospital,
Wellcome Trust Brenner Building,
Level 8,
LS9 7TF
Tel: 0113 343 8336
Email: e.w.baxter@leeds.ac.uk
Head of Department:
Professor Ann Morgan
Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and
Musculoskeletal Medicine,
St James University Hospital,
Wellcome Trust Brenner Building,
Level 8,
LS9 7TF
Tel: 0113 343 8414
Email: a.w.morgan@leeds.ac.uk