Janina Schoen – CAFRE Alumni
Janina is from Germany, and she now lives and works in Northern Germany. Here she tells us about her education, career and passion for horses!
What course did you study at CAFRE and how has it influenced your career?
I studied the BSc (Hons) in Equine Management course at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus, graduating in June 2021. The course gave me a broad education in a wide range of aspects of the equine industry and this has allowed me to undertake my current role in feed product development but has also equipped me to continue my studies. I am currently undertaking a Master’s degree at the University of Applied Sciences in Osnabrueck. I am studying a MSc in Applied Livestock and Crop Sciences with a focus on Applied Livestock Sciences. The nutrition aspect of my course benefited me for my current role and the business and dissertation modules developed my skills in preparation for my Master’s degree.
Why did you decide to study at CAFRE?
I was working in Ireland as an au pair and the family I worked for knew about my passion for horses and suggested I look at the courses CAFRE did in Equine Management. They were very different to the courses available in Germany, and I liked the practical aspects of the course. I was particularly interested in the breeding and racing modules. I visited the campus in Enniskillen and I was really impressed by the facilities.
What was your first job?
After I graduated, I worked with Thomas Murphy and worked as a groom looking after his showjumping horses. His yard is located in the Blackforest in Germany. I really enjoyed the role.
What is your current job and responsibilities?
I am currently working for an animal feed manufacturing company called Kreiling in Germany. They are a speciality compound feed manufacturer and I work in product development. I first started working in the company as an intern and was then promoted to my current role. I have been working for them in my current post for one year. The post is currently part time, but I will begin full time working hours this summer as my job and Masters degree will combine together.
Do you have a typical working day?
My job is currently part time to allow me to study alongside working. My typical working day involves dealing with emails, and developing feed products that are tailored to individual clients’ needs. The company produces feeds for horses and a wide range of other animals including cattle, pigs, alpacas, fish and poultry, so there is always something different to be done. I also go to the production factory and take samples for quality control purposes, and to create samples for our clients. In reality, every day is different.
What is the best thing about your job?
I love the variety of my current job and the flexibility it gives me to study alongside working. I really enjoy assessing product suitability for a defined purpose but also evaluating the production methods to establish how best to produce the product the client wants. We currently produce over 600 speciality feeds for a range of species so every day is different! While I really like the variety it also creates challenges, keeping up with product development and how the production process in the factory operates is fascinating.
What is your fondest memory of your time at CAFRE?
I have so many brilliant memories of my time at CAFRE but the riding out of the racehorses in the mornings is certainly one of them. It was great to get up in the mornings and do something practical with the horses and your friends, a great way to get ready for the day’s lectures ahead! Another highlight was a study trip to Lexington in Kentucky. A group of us got to go and see some of the amazing stud farms and veterinary practices, meet other students at the University of Kentucky and we also had an opportunity to meet with leading industry experts. It was a great opportunity!
What advice would you give a new graduate?
I would advise new graduates to try different things and different roles within the industry. Try to travel and see the world. Take the opportunities that feel right for you and give it a go. Work hard and enjoy your career but don’t stress, it will all work out!