Case study

Arieh is a clinical veterinary registrar in primary care at a university veterinary hospital

Job pathway

Waiter> bass guitar player in band> casual demonstrating >sales assistant > mixed practice Vet> Clinical Registrar in the primary care unit at a veterinary hospital

Qualifications

BSc (Hons in Zoology), BVSc (Hons)

How did you end up working in your current job?

I always wanted to start in mixed practice so I interviewed in country practices. This was mostly great fun (after the initial stressful period of adjustment to a new life and new career)! I wanted to get back to Sydney as it became too isolated for me (no one between the ages of 20 and 40!) so I applied for positions and my timing was good! Sydney Uni had openings in their primary care unit which suited me really well and luckily I was offered the job.

What skills do you use in your job?

The biggest skill would have to be communication with clients! I think the most important aspect of the job is the relationship with the client and their pets. The next most important skill would have to be teamwork, especially in a large organisation, but it is still true for a small hospital of 3 or 4 people. Lastly but not least of all(!) would have to be clinical skills and conscientiousness around maintaining best practice and clinical improvement.

What are some alternative jobs that you would be qualified for?

I guess other aspects of Veterinary Science that some of my friends have pursued such as working in R&D or as a representative in a drug company. I am not really that keen on any of these, though. If ever I want a complete change of scenery, professional tenor would be nice.

"Study hard and all that, but make sure you work on your interpersonal skills!!...."

What do you think it was that got you the job over other applicants?

I would like to think it was my maturity and approach to people. I was a mature age student (which meant geek that sat up the front!) and so despite having had not that much clinical experience when I started the job, I had a fair amount of life experience. Also my passion for the work and commitment to best practice would have helped.

What advice would you give to students who have commenced a Veterinary Science degree and want to get a great job when they graduate?

Study hard and all that, but make sure you work on your interpersonal skills!! Remember that the best academics don't necessarily make the best clinicians. Be personable and friendly and always show compassion. Most importantly, remember that your Vet Science degree doesn't automatically guarantee you a job and arrogance will get you nowhere.

What were your biggest mistakes during your life when applying for jobs? How would you have done it better?

Not preparing enough and remembering that the interview goes both ways! You need to be confident that you can assess them to your satisfaction. Try to be yourself – my nerves often got in the way of being myself because I was so worried about them liking me. At the end of the day, take the interview seriously but don't lose track of who you are and what you have to offer.

What type of activities were you involved in at university and high school, and did they give you any skills that you use in your job now?

I had many camps and things around large groups of people. I always participated (often too aggressively! Tried to get my own way sometimes!!). I was involved in two school musicals which practically obliterated years 10 and 11 (not that I was concerned too much). The musicals were great fun and exemplified how people need to work together as a team. Sometimes the rehearsals were very stressful but everyone was in the same boat and the reward at the end was fantastic, a real achievement and sense of satisfaction. Any involvement in something that involves more that 2 people is good preparation for working in a clinical setting. I still try to maintain this kind of balance now and ensure I have activities outside of work that I enjoy.

What was the most surprising thing about working full time in Veterinary Science that you did not expect?

That I coped!! I thrust myself into isolation by moving away from home on my own into a job that I didn't feel very qualified for. Despite the stress of the first few months I actually managed to work and grow in the job.

If you could go back to the start of your degree and change anything you did since then, what would it be?

Sit more in the front row! Start studying for exams sooner.

Where do you see yourself in five year's time?

Hopefully working in a supportive and committed high quality general practice while looking after a family of 2-3 kids.