It’s June! The 2023 cohort of newly qualified Vets is starting to emerge, tentatively, into the overwhelming world of veterinary medicine. What advice can we offer these brand new vets?
Are there any pearls of wisdom that might help them as they start to forge their own way? Having been a new graduate Vet myself (*many* years ago), I have tried to compile my top 5 tips for new graduates…
- Be kind to yourself- the first few months can be tough. You’re learning so much, so quickly, and that is tiring! You will make mistakes, and that is totally normal and expected. Be patient with yourself when they happen. Also don’t forget practical self care- try and get enough sleep, and make sure you’re eating well. It will go far in ensuring your mental resilience over those first tough months.
- Switch off- allow yourself some downtime! You’re likely to be part of an on-call rota now, but when you are lucky enough to get some time off, make sure you enjoy it. It’s great to catch up with Uni friends to get some support through shared experiences, or even just to catch up on some snooze time! Do not spend your time off mulling over cases or reading up on stuff- give your brain a break.
- Ask for help- as a new graduate, your team know that you are still learning. You aren’t expected to know all the answers. Always ask if you aren’t sure- better this than ploughing on and making a dangerous mistake. No need to be embarrassed about wanting to be sure.
- If you aren’t being supported, reach out- when practices take on a new graduate, they should be prepared for the commitment that this involves. If you don’t feel that you are being adequately supported or looked after, speak up. Initially, it is worth speaking to the senior management team as they may be able to rectify the problem. Ultimately, if things aren’t getting better, please reach out to us and we can look to find you a role in which you will be appropriately supported- this is a key time in your career and it should be managed with care.
- Finally, a practical tip! Always leave something outside of the consult room (or in the car if you’re a farm/equine vet): If you’re in a consult and need a few minutes to think without the owner in your face, having to ‘pop out and get the otoscope’ is a great way of getting that sacred time. Always give yourself an out!
Here at Elite, we strive to match candidates with their ideal role- in particular we understand how important this is for new graduates. If you are looking for your first (or second or third or fourth….etc!) job, please consider reaching out to us.
We would love to help you. I (Olivia) specialise in clinical veterinary roles, and Adam specialises in non-clinical roles. Between us, we can find what you or your practice are looking for. Call us today on 01823 429566!
