Getting your first job

In many countries there is currently a dearth of veterinary surgeons, and you may have various employment options once you graduate. But choosing the right job starts with having a successful interview; this article will ensure that you are properly prepared for the whole process.

Introduction

Starting your professional career as a young graduate is one of the most interesting moments of your life, because so many choices are open to you. It is also one of the most stressful... because so many choices are open to you! 

There are many ways in which a career in veterinary medicine can be developed:

• One of the first choices to be made is whether you wish to work only with pets and companion animals or in a mixed, equine or large animal practice.
• Should you get involved as an employee in an existing practice or should you decide early on to go it alone? This choice will be discussed later, together with an explanation as to why the first option is chosen by the majority of young vets and under which conditions the second may be considered.
• As a new vet, would you be better-off in a small independent practice or in a larger-sized group with several surgeries? The section focusing on this choice details the advantages and disadvantages of these two options.
• Should you commit early on to general practice or would you benefit from a period of additional training or an internship prior to a more specialised career? The answer, also discussed later, depends on understanding your individual aspirations and areas of competence whilst dealing with the many preconceptions that exist in the sector.

Employee or entrepreneur?

By definition, anything is possible as you embark upon your career in veterinary practice. Nevertheless, there is one golden rule you would do well to follow: It is better to get some experience under your belt as an employee before setting up your own practice (Box 1).

Regardless of the quality of your initial training, there are several good reasons why you should heed this advice:

• Your priority as a new vet should be to perfect your technical training and to gain clinical experience (Figure 1).

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