Finding your feet at work after life at university
Q: How did you feel about the transition from being a student to working as a vet after you graduated?
A: After graduating, the prospect of finding my first position in a practice filled me with excitement.
It was through a friend’s recommendation that I discovered Woodcroft Vets, which happened to be seeking a new graduate vet at the time. I wasted no time in applying, as I thought that the support provided through the VetPartners Graduate Programme would be invaluable in developing my skills post-university.
Joining a practice that had a support network designed for new graduates in place also definitely alleviated some of my initial apprehension about starting my first job as a vet, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to kickstart my career.
Q: How has having support as a new graduate helped you settle into your first role in practice?
A: The support system is absolutely incredible. I am fortunate to have a dedicated mentor who works with me at my practice who is not only an exceptional teacher, but also takes the time to meet with me every month.
During these meetings, we delve into various cases, address any queries I may have, and closely monitor my growth and areas where I can enhance my skills.
I also feel incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such an amazing team of nurses who make my day so much easier. My practice has also been flexible in terms of the support I receive during my shifts. As I have gained confidence in my abilities, there is room for me to be as independent as I desire. However, I still have access to assistance whenever I need it.
This balance allows me to grow and develop while knowing that help is always available when necessary.
Q: How have your skills developed so far?
A: In addition to my hands-on practical skills, which have developed during my shifts, and the knowledge my colleagues share with me at my practice, I’ve also attended various CPD sessions organised for new graduates like me with specialist vets leading the sessions.
These have allowed me to develop my skills in areas I am less confident in, such as exotics, canine medicine, feline medicine, as well as communication and cases on a budget.
These sessions have also allowed me to make new friends with other graduates and have provided an opportunity to discuss our shared experiences and learn from one another. It’s refreshing to engage in conversations about our diverse experiences and exchange strategies for handling different cases in our practice.
Being able to discuss our different experiences is a great reminder that it’s okay to make mistakes and it’s all part of the learning process for us to be able to develop as vets.
I’ve also been attending online clinical interest group meetings, which I find really fascinating. Whenever possible, I make sure to attend these meetings.
My practice has also organised several in-house CPD sessions on topics like dentistry and emergency and critical care medicine, which have definitely helped me improve my skills in areas where I felt less confident.
Q: What’s it like working in practice after graduating?
A: Being a vet is certainly not easy, but it’s an extremely rewarding role. The graduate support I’ve had from VetPartners and my practice colleagues has prepared me well for my role, and has allowed me the breathing space to find my feet while I’m still learning on the job.
I feel confident to say that I’m genuinely enjoying my job, and I’ve grown so much in my first year in practice thanks to the support network around me.
Q: What hopes or plans do you have for the future?
A: At the moment, I’m concentrating on improving my skills as a general practitioner. There are a few aspects of first opinion practice that I want to become more proficient in, and this is my main short-term goal.
I am hoping that over the next few years, it will become clear to me which aspect of veterinary medicine is most interesting to me and then I aim to work towards a certificate in that discipline.
I am also really enjoying small animal surgery and emergency critical care, and I’m sure that my future career will involve one or both of the two.
Q: What would be some of the best advice you could give to students or those about to graduate about their first job?
A: My advice to other students would be to try to not get stressed out about your area of speciality for the future.
Give everything a go, even if you don’t think a certain area of veterinary is interesting; you could surprise yourself.
It’s not the end of the world if you find yourself in your first job and realise it’s not the area of medicine you want to practise in.
The beauty of our degree is that you can switch between small animal, farm and equine, and not have to go back to university. Take everything one step at a time and you’ll eventually find what you enjoy doing.
For final-year students looking to find their first role in practice, my advice would be to try to find somewhere with a good support network and exposure to a variety of cases.
Being surrounded by lots of vets and nurses who have further qualifications and interests in particular areas has been a great way for me to develop.
Lots of your peers will have jobs secured before sitting their finals, but don’t let that pressure you into rushing your job applications.
There’s nothing wrong with waiting until after exams to job hunt, so take your time to find the right place for you.