Mabel Frost, a BSc Agriculture with Placement Year student, chose to study at the University of Reading for its strong academic reputation and the opportunities it offers beyond the lecture theatre.
With ambitions to become an Agricultural Business Consultant working overseas, Mabel was drawn to a course that combines respected teaching with a supportive campus environment, giving her the confidence that she is building the skills and experience needed for a global career in agriculture.
“I chose to study at the University of Reading because I liked the location and the campus. I was also reassured by the positive reputation of the University and specifically its Agriculture courses, which made it a good choice.”
Diving into campus life
“Living on campus means that almost everything is available at your door, and there’s plenty to keep you busy!”
Living in halls on campus during her first year allowed Mabel to settle quickly into university life and become part of a supportive and active student community. Surrounded by other students and with easy access to campus facilities, she was able to get involved from the outset. With over 150 sports clubs and societies available, Mabel soon discovered that Reading offered everything she was looking for.
“Staying in halls in my first year enabled me to get involved in the community and meet people. I joined the Student Union’s Women’s Rugby and Lacrosse teams, both of which are good fun! My advice is to go to all events on Campus and just say yes to everything.”
Gaining hands-on experience on field trips
With the BSc Agriculture with Placement Year course, Mabel has had the opportunity to visit a wide range of local farms and gain first-hand experience of diverse farming systems. These regular visits have helped her connect academic learning with real-world practice, while developing a deeper understanding of the agricultural industry.
“I have really enjoyed the farm and business tours on the course. We visit farms most weeks, enabling me to meet people in the industry, learn about different businesses and various farm business diversification options. I also welcomed the opportunity to talk to farmers, as I was able to learn from their mistakes and achievements.”
Developing practical experience on the farm
Alongside her studies, Mabel secured part-time work on farms, helping her to develop practical skills and gain valuable insight into the range of career pathways available within the agricultural sector. These roles complemented her academic learning and provided real-world experience in different farming environments.
“In my first year, I worked as a part-time Farm Hand at the University’s Sonning Farm. It was a good experience as staff were very understanding and provided flexibility, working shifts around lectures. While in the second year, I worked on a local dairy farm as a Relief Milker. I’ve enjoyed working as it gave me a break from my studies and helped me to gain valuable experience, which was even better.”
A transformative placement year
Mabel chose to undertake an optional placement year, securing a highly competitive position with Cranswick PLC on the McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Scheme. The placement enabled her to broaden her understanding of the food supply chain while developing specialist interests that would shape her final year of study.
“It was a real achievement to secure and complete my placement on the scheme. My responsibilities varied daily; however, I gained an in-depth understanding of the pork supply chain and, through visits to other companies, an improved understanding of milk, beef, poultry and egg supply chains too.
Now returning for my final year, inspired by my placement, I am writing my dissertation on the relationship between health outcomes and welfare standards in pigs, investigating whether improved welfare leads to fewer poor health incidents at the point of slaughter.”
Shaping future ambitions
In her final year, Mabel reflects on the breadth of practical experience she has gained at Reading and how this has helped to clarify her career aspirations beyond graduation. From hands-on farm work to industry placements, these opportunities have given her a deeper understanding of the agricultural sector and the diverse pathways available within it.
“The option to complete a placement year has been great for highlighting potential future job options, many of which I didn’t know even existed in the agricultural industry.
After graduating, I would like to go into agricultural business consultancy and work overseas. Reading has a very international cohort, which has been a real benefit as all students have a different perspective on farming and come from very different farming backgrounds. I have learnt from my cohort as much as I have from my degree.”