Vets

[ABC]

Hi,

Apologies in advance because I'm not 100% if this will make any sense.

Basically, I want to become a vet. I'm 19. I did well in my GCSE's but chose completely irrelevant subjects in college so I kind of gave up, thinking I didn't stand a chance, but I've decided if I don't try, I'll regret it for the rest of my life.

I started college again, about 3 weeks ago, studying biology, chemistry, physics and maths at AS level, so after two years, if I get the grades, fingers crossed I'll be off to uni.

Now, I know all about work experience etc, and I'm working on that, I've not done much, but hopefully I'll get enough done. So far I've worked with horses, and cows. I'm starting voluntary work at a wild bird sanctuary soon, and I'm also hoping to get some more experience elsewhere, started making enquiries etc. (Though if anyone knows of anywhere to get experience, let me know! )

I went to a "thing" at Cambridge Uni yesterday, where the lecturer said that we really have to emphasise how passionate we are, and how much we want to become vets, by showing interests outside college.

So, what I'm wondering is, do any of you know/recommend any books that are based around veterinary science? I'm happy to read anything to expand my knowledge and become more aware.

Are there any on-line journals etc I can sign up to?

Are there any Museums in the North West that may be of significance ?

Basically, any idea's which will prove how interested I am in Veterinary Science, other than work experience, are appreciated.

Thanks - hope you can make some sense of it all, I'm rushing (if you haven't guessed )

PS; I live in Lancashire

 

[Jesstickle]

Are you looking to go to Cambridge? I happen to know one of the vets at the vet school and last time I asked her what she looked for she was all about lots and lots of work experience. I know a vet student there too. Will do some digging for you if you like? ie have a quick word with them and see what they are looking for/ what they did respectively?

Don't forget you'll need to do bmat for Cambridge too which is an absolute horror! Or I think it is. If you're clever I'm sure it's fine!

 

[ABC]

Cambridge is defo my first option, but whether or not that materialises is another matter

Would really appreciate it if you could find out any info!

 

[be positive]

They seem to want lots of work experience, a girl I know is just applying ,I have her list here.
Dairy work.
Pig rearing.
Lambing, arrange it now for next spring.
Working in a small animal practice.
Wildlife rescue centre.
Equine rescue and rehab.
Other useful experience includes going to an abattoir, zoo work or conservation projects.

They also like you to have general interests outside the animal world, a well rounded individual.
Good luck you have a busy time ahead.

 

[fatpiggy]

I totally agree with bepositive - a colleague at work's daughter is just starting her second year at Bristol and she did all on that list too. At one time just being academically brilliant was all they were looking for, but now they want to see that you 'know' animals and have practical skills and are confident with them (which alot of clever folk don't!)

 

[karen_c]

All of the above is good advice - before going to uni I had done most of those things - but it is good to show you have some outside interests so things like music or whatever. Anything that demonstrates you have good 'people skills' as well as the animal skills is really important as it's a massive part of the job - I volunteered with local RDA amongst other things - and also anything that shows you work well as part of a team is good.

If you have a local practice ask the vets if you can have their copies of Vet Times/Vet record/In practice etc when they're finished with them. Keep an eye on newspapers etc for any articles about topical issues involving pets/farm animals/horses as things like this often come up in interviews.

Keep a diary of all your experiences and ask for references everywhere!

Good luck - if you want any help with applications etc feel free to send me a PM, I still remember the horrors of applying! And don't be too disappointed if you end up somewhere else other than Cambridge - Glasgow is brilliant (graduated from there and have worked there too) and now work at Bristol which is also fab.