The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
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The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
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Advice for New Graduates

Resources for graduates on finding work, settling in to a new role, and how to thrive after completing your degree.

graduating students

 

 

Graduating from university can be a scary process—it might be the first time you’re in full-time employment, working long hours in a high-stress job. You’ve had to say goodbye to your fellow students and leave the secure environment of formal education. It’s important to know if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or isolated, that you’re not alone. 

Here we’ve created a list of resources to help you on your journey:

 

 

 

Finding a job

  • If you’ve graduated within the last two years, you can book an appointment to have a one-to-one discussion with someone from UOE Careers Service. To do this you can book an appointment via MyCareerHub.

  • You can also use the job search via MyCareerHub with dedicated filters for the veterinary field.

  • The British Veterinary Association has vacancies for members.

Community

  • Starting in practice, it’s important to build a community for yourself. Not only to have a professional network, but it can be rewarding to build friendships with those who are in the same boat and are experiencing similar things you’re going through.  The British Veterinary Association has a regional network of young vets all across the UK. Each group offers a range of events from seminars to informal meet-ups. Click here to find one in your area. If you can’t find one nearby, why not consider starting your own?

Starting Work

  • You might want to consider becoming a member of the British Veterinary Association. They offer free personal accident insurance, professional guidance, and support. For the first 2 years after graduation, this service is only £99 per year.

  • Transitioning from student life (which, for a veterinary student, is already demanding!) to a full-time position with long hours can be stressful, and it’s really important to make sure you’re looking after your mental health and wellbeing. The RCVS has launched The Mind Matters Initiative that’s a great resource for managing your mental health.

  • Make sure you know your rights as an employee. Have a look at the EUSA guide for further info.
  • Vetlife is an incredible resource with many articles about the common issues you might run into including:
  • If you need someone to talk to, Vetlife also have a confidential helpline that’s open 24 hours a day. Click here to find out more.
  • The British Veterinary Association also has a wealth of material on workplace guidance.

What if I don’t want to be a vet?

  • The University of Edinburgh offers guidance for graduates through our Career’s service. If you’ve graduated within the last two years, you can book an appointment to have a one-to-one discussion about your career options. To do this you can book an appointment via MyCareerHub.

  • The careers service also has a great presentation that offers guidance if you’re unsure about what you want to do next.

  • Have a look at the Association of Veterinary Students’ Graduate Profiles which has some great examples of where your degree can take you.
  • The Association of American Veterinary Medical collages has a list of career options to get you started.

 

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