[Cetacea]

(Original post by thedancingchicken)
Hi
i'm 17 and want to apply to Nottingham.
I'm having so much trouble with getting work experience though.
I've rung 6 vets today, and still got no work - they either are full up with student vets or can't take me because of insurance issues as i'm under 18, ahhhhhhhhh.
So far the only experience i have is:
>1 week dairy farm (with calving )
>3 days SA vet practice (everyone else on here seem to have week and weeks )
>1 and half years riding stables
>1 week cousin's farm in Poland - sheep, horses and pigs
>6 years breeding chickens (i have no idea if this counts as experience or not)
>1 week wildlife centre

I really need to get some more veterinary practice experience but it is proving very, very difficult.

I was reading about bee veterinary recently - yes it exists, i think it's very specialised - i could get experience with bees, is this just silly or would it be something different?

Is lambing absolutely neccessary? I missed the lambing season because i couldn't take time out of school.

AHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Firstly have you tried the RCVS 'Find a Vet' service? It's intended for animal owners but also very useful for trying to find a vet practice that is within a sensible distance to travel to for work experience. You can perform an advanced search where you can specify the type of animals that are treated (e.g. farm, equine or domestic).

Definitely get more small animal vet experience first, and then if possible try and get a large animal practice or if not a mixed practice (this is what I did). Large animal practices on their own are difficult to book as they are very popular.

I have also heard about the veterinary care of bees. It's a relatively new area in the field of veterinary medicine but nonetheless it is quite interesting. I think Nottingham published something recently about this - I'll try and find it if I can. I think this would come under an 'extra' placement - focus on the 'core' placements first (vet practice, dairy (which you have), horses, lambing, kennels etc.) Another example of an 'extra' placement is a zoo or wildlife park - perhaps this may be more interesting? I did a week at a zoo and loved it!

With regards to lambing - try and get some before you apply if possible. It's not the end of the world if you don't. I wrote on my PS that I would spend a week lambing in February and I did carry it through. In fact at my Edinburgh interview I was asked about it so you must carry through what you say you'll do. Lambing is usually carried out between February and April but there are breeds of sheep that lamb earlier and some that lamb all year round although I'm not too sure on where you'd find these!

Hope that helps. In case you're wondering I was interviewed at Edinburgh, RVC and Nottingham and got offers at Edinburgh and RVC.

[Leigh303]

Hi everyone, realistically is this enough to get me in this year (2013 entry)?

Small animals vets -3.5 weeks
Large animals vet - 1 week
Dairy - 2 weeks, maybe 3
Sheep (mostly lambing) - 2 weeks
Cattery - 1 week, maybe 2
Horses - 2 weeks, maybe more (owned & competed my whole life though)
Abattoir - 1 day
Kennels - long term adds up to 20+ weeks

May be doing odd days over the summer eg Small animal rescue etc.

Also what would you recommend I focus on/ try and get that I haven't already,

Thank you


Edit: I will also be doing sunday afternoons at a falconry for 3 weekends a month as of next weekend.

[Cetacea]

(Original post by Leigh303)
Hi everyone, realistically is this enough to get me in this year (2013 entry)?

Small animals vets -3.5 weeks
Large animals vet - 1 week
Dairy - 2 weeks, maybe 3
Sheep (mostly lambing) - 2 weeks
Cattery - 1 week, maybe 2
Horses - 2 weeks, maybe more (owned & competed my whole life though)
Abattoir - 1 day
Kennels - long term adds up to 20+ weeks

May be doing odd days over the summer eg Small animal rescue etc.

Also what would you recommend I focus on/ try and get that I haven't already,

Thank you


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That seems a good, solid amount at this stage. There is no question that you have all the core areas covered - both types of vet practice, dairy, lambing, horses and kennels/cattery. The day at the abattoir will go down well as it's something that not many students have. Also the fact that the kennels is a long-term placement will look good as it shows dedication to what is definitely quite a demanding role!

I would suggest that now you have completed the main areas, it wouldn't hurt to do a bit more of an 'icing on the cake' placement such as a zoo, wildlife park or veterinary laboratory (e.g. AHVLA). Again these are quite difficult to get but will look impressive to the vet schools. You probably only need one of these ideas but I did a week at a zoo (as i'm into exotics) and AHVLA.

[thedancingchicken]

[QUOTE=Cetacea;38447957]

Definitely get more small animal vet experience first, and then if possible try and get a large animal practice or if not a mixed practice (this is what I did). Large animal practices on their own are difficult to book as they are very popular.

Thanks for your advice
i've now got a week in a mixed practice, and i am going to try an equine clinic

[laurag.19]

Can anyone recommend an abbatoir that does work experience in or around London (North London)?

I am willing to travel.
I have called up so many and they're like 'no sorry we don't do it'. I don't know where everyone gets their abbatoir experience from. Maybe it's because I live in London so it's harder.
Also - I am looking for like one day.

Thanks to anyone who has any info or who can help!!

[dizzeedollee]

(Original post by laurag.19)
Can anyone recommend an abbatoir that does work experience in or around London (North London)?

I am willing to travel.
I have called up so many and they're like 'no sorry we don't do it'. I don't know where everyone gets their abbatoir experience from. Maybe it's because I live in London so it's harder.
Also - I am looking for like one day.

Thanks to anyone who has any info or who can help!!

^
I really doubt there are any abbatoirs in London. And don't worry they're not rejecting you because you live in London (I'm a Londoner too and I managed to get experience!), the most likely reasons are either a) insurance and/or health and safety or b) there's been an increase in secret filmings recently so abbatoirs have been advised not to take anyone on for work experience in case they're crazy animal activists. I would suggest next time perhaps asking why they aren't taking people on (is it insurance or whatever) and if it's because of the filming perhaps offer to send them a letter/recommendation from your school and some vets you've done work experience with to prove you're not a secret filmer. Good luck

[Gotzz]

Finding them:
· Yellow pages
· Your eyes (obvious but you often miss farms/ practices if your not looking for them)
· The internet
· Word of mouth (you’ll be amazed at how many people your local farmer knows- one placement will soon lead to another)
· On here (http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=349634)

The link doesn't work for me, any ideas why?

[~*Holly*~]

(Original post by dizzeedollee)
b) there's been an increase in secret filmings recently so abbatoirs have been advised not to take anyone on for work experience in case they're crazy animal activists.

^ This is what happened to me.

[Nessie162]

When doing work experience, does 5 working days counts as a week? or it has to be full 7?

[MattM123]

(Original post by Nessie162)
When doing work experience, does 5 working days counts as a week? or it has to be full 7?

5 days counts as a week. 8 hours counts as a day.

[Nessie162]

(Original post by MattM123)
5 days counts as a week. 8 hours counts as a day.

Thanks


Btw. I'm also looking for abattoir work experience, and I'm about to write a letter to one. Do any of you have any suggestions on what's the best way to write it? I want to ensure them that I'm serious and that I'm not as dizzeedollee said "crazy animal activists" lol

[BeHappy]

(Original post by Nessie162)
Btw. I'm also looking for abattoir work experience, and I'm about to write a letter to one. Do any of you have any suggestions on what's the best way to write it? I want to ensure them that I'm serious and that I'm not as dizzeedollee said "crazy animal activists" lol

Could you ask a teacher for a reference or something, or send them a work experience placement reference? I mean that shows you're serious and is a pretty reliable source. Just be honest, say why you want the work experience there and that you understand their concerns about 'crazy animal activists' but you really hope that they'd be willing to re-consider you and offer them the reference.

Although, (you might've done/checked this already!) it'd be worth ensuring they're not refusing you due to insurance reasons, because of all the abattoirs I've phoned, they've declined me because their insurance can't cover it. Otherwise you'd be sending your letter when it can't make any difference to the situation!
Good luck

[JHP1996]

(Original post by BeHappy)
Could you ask a teacher for a reference or something, or send them a work experience placement reference? I mean that shows you're serious and is a pretty reliable source. Just be honest, say why you want the work experience there and that you understand their concerns about 'crazy animal activists' but you really hope that they'd be willing to re-consider you and offer them the reference.

Although, (you might've done/checked this already!) it'd be worth ensuring they're not refusing you due to insurance reasons, because of all the abattoirs I've phoned, they've declined me because their insurance can't cover it. Otherwise you'd be sending your letter when it can't make any difference to the situation!
Good luck

I like the idea of showing them a reference... It also shows what other people in the animal industry think of you... When it comes from people with lots of experience in a certain industry it should help with proving your work ethic x


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[Leigh303]

Right. Final list for what I should have by October:

4 weeks SA vets (over 3 practices)
1 week LA vets

1 week RDA/stables
1 week stables
2 weeks sheep (mainly lambing)
2 weeks dairy
2 days pigs
1 week cattery
Long term kennels (about 15 weeks to count)

1 day abattoir
1 week alpacas
Few days small animal rescue (rabbits etc)
Long term falconry (will add up to about a week)

Total vets: 5 weeks Total other: 10 weeks not inc. kennels

Hope this will be ok! Aware I have no poultry, exotics or lab... Not for lack of trying



What do people think? If i could maybe get a week somewhere in October half term what would you suggest?

[Angry cucumber]

(Original post by Leigh303)
Right. Final list for what I should have by October:

4 weeks SA vets (over 3 practices)
1 week LA vets

1 week RDA/stables
1 week stables
2 weeks sheep (mainly lambing)
2 weeks dairy
2 days pigs
1 week cattery
Long term kennels (about 15 weeks to count)

1 day abattoir
1 week alpacas
Few days small animal rescue (rabbits etc)
Long term falconry (will add up to about a week)

Total vets: 5 weeks Total other: 10 weeks not inc. kennels

Hope this will be ok! Aware I have no poultry, exotics or lab... Not for lack of trying



What do people think? If i could maybe get a week somewhere in October half term what would you suggest?

You've pretty much covered all bases

The only thing I can think of is to increase your amount of pig w/e to make it over a weeks worth I'd also increase your amount of equine w/e, if your applying to Liverpool... they tend to like equine w/e

Equine vets, if possible would also be good, if possible

Other than that your good to go I wouldn't worry about poultry, labs or exotics Most applicants don't have any... I certainly didn't/haven't

[Leigh303]

(Original post by Angry cucumber)
You've pretty much covered all bases

The only thing I can think of is to increase your amount of pig w/e to make it over a weeks worth I'd also increase your amount of equine w/e, if your applying to Liverpool... they tend to like equine w/e

Equine vets, if possible would also be good, if possible

Other than that your good to go I wouldn't worry about poultry, labs or exotics Most applicants don't have any... I certainly didn't/haven't

Thank you pigs is a last minute thing I've managed to arrange, literally the only pig farm around and farmer could only offer those 2 days this summer, but I'll try and go back somewhen :s

I've ridden/competed horses all my life, both my own and for other people, but can't seem to get much stables experience locally which is annoying!

I spent a lot of my time at LA vets with equine vets so hopefully that'll do however I'm applying to a pure equine practice as well in case of gap year.

Thanks for your advice

[lizzie0895]

Hi guys!

My name is Lizzie and I'm from Hong Kong. I'm planning on applying for Veterinary Medicine for next September (2013) but I've just been doing my research and things like that and I am very anxious I don't stand a chance! Here, it's really tough to get work experience at a vet or do any animal husbandry if you're not already studying vet or something similar. I do the IB at school, and I'm not too worried about my grades/predicted grades.. but I am very worried about my lack of work experience. Does anyone have any advice for me? (I'm also really worried about the BMAT, I'm not brilliant at aptitude tests) x

[JHP1996]

(Original post by lizzie0895)
Hi guys!

My name is Lizzie and I'm from Hong Kong. I'm planning on applying for Veterinary Medicine for next September (2013) but I've just been doing my research and things like that and I am very anxious I don't stand a chance! Here, it's really tough to get work experience at a vet or do any animal husbandry if you're not already studying vet or something similar. I do the IB at school, and I'm not too worried about my grades/predicted grades.. but I am very worried about my lack of work experience. Does anyone have any advice for me? (I'm also really worried about the BMAT, I'm not brilliant at aptitude tests) x

Contact everyone in your local area that has anything to do with animals, no matter how vague the link is between them and animals. Eg pet shops, pet insurance places, you could also do the more obvious ones like contacting farms, whether they're commercial or whatever. Just keep going to places and get as much as you can. Universities won't accept "I couldn't get in anywhere" the same thing happened to my cousin. Just keep trying and I'm sure you'll be fine xxxx


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[dizzeedollee]

(Original post by lizzie0895)
Hi guys!

My name is Lizzie and I'm from Hong Kong. I'm planning on applying for Veterinary Medicine for next September (2013) but I've just been doing my research and things like that and I am very anxious I don't stand a chance! Here, it's really tough to get work experience at a vet or do any animal husbandry if you're not already studying vet or something similar. I do the IB at school, and I'm not too worried about my grades/predicted grades.. but I am very worried about my lack of work experience. Does anyone have any advice for me? (I'm also really worried about the BMAT, I'm not brilliant at aptitude tests) x

^
Hi Lizzie, sorry if I'm just being stupid but do you mean you're applying this September for 2013 entry or next September for 2014 entry?

I'm Chinese myself so I know how much of a pain it can be to get work experience over there. The universities will definitely take into consideration that you're applying from Hong Kong; they should know that agriculture is in decline over there, but that equine and small animal work is beginning to emerge and develop so although they won't be expecting you to have bundles and bundles and bundles of work experience they will expect you to have some experience.

How much do you have so far and what have you done to get work experience so far? I would definitely suggest phoning places up instead of emailing if that's what you're doing. Explain to them that you're applying to study veterinary medicine overseas and that you need experience as part of the entry requirements, and maybe offer to send them a reference from your school? You could also try contacting the Ocean Park and the Jockey club to see if they will let students shadow them? You could always just start by asking for one or two days if they won't let you stay for the whole week and build up from there. If they say no ask them if they know anyone who will let you shadow them and if all else fails you can always contact the HK veterinary association and ask if they might send you a list of their members so you can contact them. Do you have any relatives overseas with whom you could stay with to do work experience?

As for BMAT, I personally don't think you need to panic that much about it. There's not much you can revise for (for me, the preparation books they sell are rubbish and thousands of times easier than the real thing and they don't really help you to develop your logical thinking skills either, they just feed you answers) and you can get full marks by guessing since you're not penalised for wrong answers so I think you should focus more on getting work experience.

This is from the RVC website, which does state that they expect you to have at least 4 weeks of work experience (http://www.rvc.ac.uk/Undergraduate/I...y/HongKong.cfm). Hope that helped a bit!

[lizzie0895]

Hi there!

No, sorry I think I was really vague about it. I'm applying this September for 2013 entry.

Right now, I've done 2 weeks at a small animal vet clinic and 3 weeks at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden. I've also done some kennel cleaning at the SPCA and dog walking at the Hong Kong Dog Rescue.. My friends all think I'm nuts because they think I've done 'so much'.

I tried to contact Ocean Park but they are so full with vet students, I'm going to ask about vet shadowing the Jockey Club because I ride with them, and maybe I could meet the vet and ask him some questions. That's the problem here! You can do lots of vet shadowing if you're already starting it.. but impossible to get if you're not!

Did you go to school in Hong Kong? I'm Eurasian, so my dad's family is from the UK and my mum's family is from Hong KOng. I'm desperately hoping to get home-student-status because the difference in price is so big, but I feel that I have a much bigger chance of getting in if I apply as an international student.. and I hear that you don't need to take the BMAT at all if you apply as an international student, I'm just not sure if we could really afford it..

Thankyou SO much for your reply, it really helped me and I felt a lot better after reading it