The Academic Route: Internship, Residency, Research and Specialisation

A variety of career options are available to the new veterinary graduate, including private practice, industry, research, government, charity organisations, education, etc. The preferred career route is almost entirely determined by the personal aspirations and desires of the individual graduate and the inherent pros and cons of each career option. The internship/residency route is generally seen either as one through which the graduate hopes to secure a long-term academic position within a university (either as a clinician, an educator, a researcher or more commonly, a combination of all of these) or one which is viewed as a more ‘short-term’ means by which to receive ‘specialist training’ with a view to returning to private practice. Irrespective of long-term desires, the first steps on this route are very similar; however, once the training has commenced, the ultimate career goal can have a significant influence on the necessary areas of focus throughout the training period. [...]