1. Take a deep breath.

It’s not uncommon to feel a bit overwhelmed, whether this is stemming from dissatisfaction in your career, frustration around not knowing what steps to take first, or stress about how to fit in something this important around a busy schedule.

The good news is that there are plenty of people just like you who have been there before and know what you are going through! We are building a supportive community to help guide you through this so that you can ultimately find the career path that is right for you, whether that means Staying in practice, Going on to new pastures, or Diversifying within the veterinarian field.

2. Create your candidate profile.

Take action and craft a standout candidate profile with us. This is the ultimate way to showcase your unique abilities to potential employers, whether you’re seeking to make a career pivot or looking to document your experiences and competencies for negotiating promotions or salary increases. We also encourage people to put themselves out there (if you don’t ask, then you don’t get). Reverse Recruitment is a great way to find a role that was built just for you.

Employers also have the opportunity to showcase their business values by creating company profiles.

3. Let us help with your job search.

At VSGD, we have launched a jobs board that provides you with a variety of roles to choose from based on your needs. We firmly believe in the importance of transparency and flexibility in negotiations between companies and their future employees. Our job board features a range of clinical and non-clinical roles, with options for both full-time and part-time positions, as well as the ability to work from home. Be sure to explore our “Interview the Boss” sessions to gain further insight into the employers.

4. Check out our career coaching services.

We offer a dynamic developmental group coaching programme to help veterinary professionals gain the support and clarity to take control of their own careers, empowering them to identify their next steps towards a career that works for them. This is in partnership with VDS Training and guests. Find out more information here. Looking for 1-1 coaching for instant results? Check out our career coaches here.

5. Think about all your transferable skills.

Write down all the things you are good at, enjoy and would like to do more of. It’s important to focus the things you WANT to do, the things you feel passionate about or feel naturally drawn to rather than just the things you dislike or want to rule out.

To become a veterinary professional you will have no doubt garnered an amazing skillset unique to you. Think about all the experiences you have had that led you to this point. Many of these skills are transferable inside and outside the clinic, for example:

• Client management, team management, ability to work both alone and in a team

• Empathy, patience, resilience

• Problem-solving, critical thinking, ability to learn quickly

• Teaching, mentoring, leadership

Sometimes it’s hard to work out what you want to do with all these skills. VDS Training advisors Carolyne Crowe and Penny Barker present this webinar on “Working out what you want” in conjunction with VSGD.

You can also check out the excellent session from VSGD LIVE! by Adrian Nelson Pratt on “Stop Selling Yourself Short- A CV and Interview Clinic” if you want help to dust off that CV into something that sells YOU!

Need further CV/Resume support? Invest in yourself by looking at our CV review and branding packages.

6. Find your ‘people’.

It never hurts to expand your social and professional network. Which is precisely why we run fantastic events to facilitate this! VSGD celebrates the diversity of talent, expertise, and skills originating from the veterinarian profession. The VSGD groups are intended to provide a forum for free, independent and safe exchange of information between veterinary professionals considering diversification of their careers as well as for professionals to receive advice on how to remain satisfied in the clinic. Taking action and surrounding yourself with other career pioneers in the community can really give you the spark that you may need. Come to an event or chat with us in the VSGD online forums – we’re sure you’ll find people you vibe with!

Vets: Stay, Go or Diversify

VSGD Careers

Vets: Stay, Go, Diversify – North America

Vets: Stay, Go, Diversify – Down Under

These are closed groups, not directly available to the public. Membership of the groups are limited to those with direct interest in the aims and objectives of the group. Members must have a vet degree, a qualified nursing/tech degree, or be students of respective training.

7. Check out our resources.

We have compiled career interviews of career pioneers, as well as practical blog posts on pertinent topics to help motivate you and online courses for support on landing that job and understanding the power of negotiation. 

We also offer Secret Support for anyone wanting to ask a question to our community anonymously. Secret Support allows for safe, open, honest and anonymous discussion of sensitive topics with other members of the community. We cover all kinds of topics and welcome any kind and constructive comments regardless of viewpoint. You can simply post anonymously in our Facebook group. 

8. Let’s stay connected.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay ahead of the game with the latest events, job postings, and words of wisdom on how to uplift and fulfil your career. Trust us, your inbox will be filled with career inspo that you won’t want to miss.

Need more help?

We are here to help. We have an amazing, supportive community, and tonnes of resources! Email us and let us know what you need. We’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.