Our Future – Rachel Lyall
Advanced Breeding Administrator (Paragon Veterinary Group)
– Tell us about your career path
“I live and work on my family’s dairy farm, every day I work with the cows, so Paragon have always been a massive part of our farm as we rely on them to keep our animals well looked after. We have used them as our vets for decades, so I’ve always known people that work here. At school, I did my work experience in the Newbiggin branch outside Penrith. I really enjoyed this, and it gave me an insight of the amazing work that happens. I then finished school, went to college then got another job for a few years. This job was still in the agricultural industry, but I really enjoyed my work experience so when our vet mentioned this job vacancy, I applied for it and was really pleased to get the job.
“Advanced breeding and IVF (In vitro fertilisation) and OPU (Ovum Pick-up) on cows is an additional part of dairy farming. Paragon are the only business in Cumbria with an IVF Centre so, it’s great to work alongside the team to deliver the best service. I’ve had so many opportunities in the last year it’s unbelievable, it’s something I am really proud to do and can’t wait to continue my career with this business.”
– What’s your top tip for anyone wanting a job like yours?
“At school, you weren’t really helped to find a work experience placement. In a way, this really helped my confidence as I was ringing around local businesses to get a place, which as quite a nervous individual this helped me come out of my shell. I was lucky to be able to go to Paragon, it really helped me work out what I’d like to do when I was older and helped me decide what career path I would like to go down.
“If you’re not sure what’s out there, do your research and follow your interests and hopefully that will help you find a company or placement that interests you. I’m really grateful for the opportunities I had growing up, which then helped me imagine where I am today. My job is very interesting and rewarding, I really enjoy all aspects of the roles I am part of.”
– What’s your advice to anyone thinking about whether they should leave or stay in Cumbria?
- “It’s easy to get around: I live in Calthwaite, and I can easily go anywhere plus I’m near Carlisle or Penrith. There are many bus routes in local villages to either town.
- There’s great networking: There are loads of networking and social groups. I do a lot through Young Farmers and other groups for young people, and we meet weekly and socialise.
- Cumbria’s full of friendly people: I have so many friends and everyone is very friendly. People like to get to know each other and involve their local community.”