Wanting to become a vet.. work experience? (also in C&E)

[PingPongPony]

Hi all I've always wanted to become a vet, my GCSE choices and A level choices have all been towards that career. Now, i know that to get into uni you don't just need good grades but work experience also helps. I already have 9months at a farm helping with lambing, every day care of pigs and sheep and chickens and ducks etc. as well as 2 weeks at kennels and cattery, 2 weeks at a raceyard, and i have 1 week at Newmarket equine hospital coming up soon, so i do already have a bit of work experience. My question is, what other work experience would you suggest i do?? My mum works in meat factory type thing and has connections and has already said that i can have work experience at an abattoir, will that be a good experience to add to my uni application or is it something they don't like? Any other ideas?
Thank you

 

[Sprig]

I would try and get more experience at a vet. Not an equine one as you already have that covered. You need to demonstrate a general veterinary interest, not just equine - everyone want to be a horse vet! If you can't get that how about work experience with a farrier or nutritionist? Looking more at the science side of things rather than animal husbandry.

 

[HashRouge]

As far as I'm aware experience at an abattoir is looked on favourably. Possibly because it's not pleasant and if you have it it shows that you're serious!

 

[PingPongPony]

I would try and get more experience at a vet. Not an equine one as you already have that covered. You need to demonstrate a general veterinary interest, not just equine - everyone want to be a horse vet! If you can't get that how about work experience with a farrier or nutritionist? Looking more at the science side of things rather than animal husbandry.

I have tried to get general vet work experience, however, the vet practices around me only take uni students that have been sent by the uni, so im finding it really hard to get anything like that. I don't actualy know what i want to specialise in yet, i know i want to specialise at some point but i have no idea in what yet, hence i'm going to try to get experience with different type of vets, like one that specialise in farm animals, equine (got that covered), zoo, general pets, exotic pets etc. i want to see what each one involves so i can then decide which one appeals most Its a good idea about farriers etc, i know i can easily get work experience with an equine dentist and a mctimony, so i might ask these two too. I was thinking, i know someone who works in a lab where they test pet food and pet products on animals, i thought this might also be a good idea?

 

[Sneedy]

Go and milk some cows !!! Gt a good insight into the dairy industry, calf rearing etc.

 

[Aru]

I have tried to get general vet work experience, however, the vet practices around me only take uni students that have been sent by the uni, so im finding it really hard to get anything like that. I don't actualy know what i want to specialise in yet, i know i want to specialise at some point but i have no idea in what yet, hence i'm going to try to get experience with different type of vets, like one that specialise in farm animals, equine (got that covered), zoo, general pets, exotic pets etc. i want to see what each one involves so i can then decide which one appeals most Its a good idea about farriers etc, i know i can easily get work experience with an equine dentist and a mctimony, so i might ask these two too. I was thinking, i know someone who works in a lab where they test pet food and pet products on animals, i thought this might also be a good idea?

Abbatoir work would look good as its not easy to get so you stand out more.It also proves you are not to squeamish and have an understanding of the food chain.
Labwork is also good as again its not typical and shows an idea of the diverse field in veterinary.
Remember veterinary isn't just about fixing sick animal there is also a hugh public health aspect to the course that isn't often considered. So dont be afraid to put down less common things like Abattoirs and show you know why the vets are there,(that would be protecting public health and keeping a disease free food chain for the record )

Dairy would be good experience helping with milking,calving etc .
Lambing is also a really good one to have down as its hands down and if you do get in you'll be glad for the extra experience.

If you cannot find any vets in your area would you be willing to look further afield?

IMO Farriers etc will not help your application if you do not have much experience in the actual profession you are applying for...
If you want to be a vet, go see vets in as many different areas at work and be sure you want to let yourself in for this job...Equine is only one small aspect and a popular one at that you need more. Small animal/mixed I would imagine are essential as those are the fields that hugh amount of vets end up working in. Even those who want to do purely horses often start in mixed practice.