employers want in new grads
-interpersonal communication and client relationship skills
-teamwork, collegiality, willingness to seek help
-non-technical (soft) skills
-problem-solving, critical thinking, clinical reasoning
-core/entry-level technical skills
career anchors
-technical competence
-managerial competence
-autonomy/independence
-security/stability
-entrepreneurial/creativity
-pure challenge
-service/dedication to a cause
-lifestyle
technical competence
-strives to be expert and be acknowledged as such
-focuses on honing talents and skills
-prefers narrow, specialised area of expertise
-high attention to detail, wants job done properly
-not happy generalist
managerial competence
-thrives on duty, responsibility
-likes to coordinate and direct activity of others
-likes to lead and organize team to deliver outcomes
-likes problem-solving and dealing w other people
-prefers to be a generalist combining emotional, interpersonal, and analytical skills
autonomy/independence
-strives to be independent
-likes to work under own rules and drive
-does not cope well with extensive rules, standards and supervision
-only wants light touch from above and freedom
security/stability
-strives for stability and continuity in life
-likes security and predictable work, avoids risk
-loyal to company or location
-harmonious work environment, consistent demands
-will trade quality of work or prospect of seniority
entrepreneurial/creativity
-strives to find new business
-likes to invent, run own show
-happy to share work and sacrifice stability to create
-easily bored, considers ownership/wealth as success
-needs space and encouragement
pure challenge
-strives to solve difficult problems
-likes constant stimulation and ever-tougher challenges
-bored w underdemanding roles, tasks, and situations
service/dedication to a cause
-strives to help others for improvements in social, health, or environmental conditions
-career decisions based on this central value, service of the greater good
-profit, profile, scale of operation, and security are of secondary importance
lifestyle
-strives to integrate all parts of life equitably
-career choice based on ease of balance bw self, family, job
-consider extended break from work to indulge passion or family commitment
-flexibility in work v important
selection process
-position advertisement
-written application
-invitation for interview or clinic visit
-interview / clinic visit
-student placement
-referees
finding employment
-basic resume and template cover letter (to target)
-referees
-digital footprint (Linkedin etc)
-interview preparation
resume
- <1 min to impress
-elegant, logical, succinct, attention to detail
-unnecessary words and repetition
-avoid abbreviations
-master resume is tailored, targets for each job
chronological resume
-details work history, education, and activities in date order
-traditional format, easy to understand
-emphasizes career growth
-highlights name of employers / qualifications
-works well if staying in same field
-highlight gaps in employment
functional resume
-focuses on major skills, achievements, and strengths rather than employment history
-good for new grads or changing fields
-does not highlight a defined career path
referees
-recommend 2-3
-can vouch for abilities (casual work, academics, clinicians)
-choose carefully, ask permission, send resume, let know when applying
-written references or provided upon request
cover letter
-needs to get you interview
-relevant qualifications and experience must stand out
-do homework - practice organization, name of employer
-targeted! address criteria / key words highlighted in ad itself
interview
-prepare, research, rehearse
-plan route and arrival, arrive before time
-look the part
-respectful and polite, smiling and eye contact important
-phone on silent
-avoid slang and arrogance
-try to relax
-have questions for them
-thank them
internship
-1 year clinical training program
-specific or rotating
-mentorship, supervision, rounds, seminars, formal presentations
-prep for clinical practice or advanced specialty training
-not necessarily accredited/approved by specialist training certification providers
-may assist you in residency application - some do 2 one general one specialised
residency
-couple of years (2-3)
-advanced training in specialty certification
-specific guidelines
-specialist supervision
-usually confined to specific discipline, may be related to advanced degree program
membership
-recognizes advanced knowledge and experience (min 3.5 years) in specific field
-represents high-level practitioner ‘middle-tier’
-written and oral exams
-requirement prior to fellowship
fellowship
-signifies scholarly and technical excellence in a particular subject - ‘specialist’
-requirements = membership attained, residency training
North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)
-determines licencing in USA and Canada, each US state differs in requirements
-offered 3x/year March/April, July/August, and November/December
-each testing window open for 4 weeks at prometric testing centers
-apply through ICVA directly for US licensure
-application deadlines are Aug 1 or Feb 1
-costs > $1,000
-must have expected graduation date no later than 10 months from last date of testing window to sit
