5 things I would tell my vet school self, part 2

In the first part of this series, I suggested the younger version of myself would have benefited from having more knowledge of signalment.

The second thing I think the young Gerardo Poli could learn is the importance of practical work and how it can build bridges with potential employers.

Practical work is where connections are built

Coming from my experience as a practice owner, I suggest students do as much practical work as they can in the clinics and hospitals they might want to work in.

This could be part of the formal practical programme, in the form of paid work (such as working in veterinary nursing) and voluntary work.

When you are on practical placement, you build relationships with the team and get exposed to the dynamics. It will give you an insight to help you decide if this is the practice you want to work at after graduation, and also gives that practice an opportunity to get to know you.

If the practice likes what it sees, it is more likely to hire you over someone based on the resume of someone it has never met in person.