I really enjoyed my time at Reigate College; I felt the quality of teaching was excellent and I received a lot of support from the staff. This support came into its own when I was applying to study veterinary medicine, staff organising classes on personal statement writing and role-play interview practice. And student life was great – I had a great group of friends at Reigate College who I’m still close with today.
I decided to go straight to university after College to start study on the five-year Veterinary Medicine degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London. I loved the course, especially my final year when I enjoyed clinical rotations in many different veterinary practices and departments.
After graduating, I was lucky to have the summer off to travel before starting my first job as a vet in September 2022. I’m working at a friendly, independent vet practice where I’d benefited from excellent work experience as a student. I’m proud that all the hard work I put in throughout my degree has allowed me to get my dream job as a veterinary surgeon specialising in small animals.
What I enjoy about it is that there is so much variety in what I do and see each day – everything from diagnostic imaging and tests to consultations and surgery. While my favourite aspect of the job is being able to help animals, I also find helping the people that care for them rewarding. I’m looking forward to doing further training in the future to develop my expertise in either Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine, as I have a particular interest in these fields.
For students who are interested in following a similar career path I think one of the most important things is trying to get a range of work experience in lots of different veterinary practices and environments. It not only gives you an idea of what the job involves but also gives you a lot to talk about in interviews.
Dr Hannah Parker BVetMed MRCVS
Reigate College: 2015-2017
Higher Education: Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, Royal Veterinary College (University of London)
Currently: Veterinary Surgeon, Portland Vets