Talent partner Julia explores the philosophy behind talent development at IVC Evidensia, and the balanced approach of our Graduate Academy programme. She outlines the diverse opportunities for career progression available to graduates, and gives valuable advice on the application process.
While doing my previous job I felt I needed a change, I came across the Talent Support Executive role and I knew it was a great fit for me. Last August I became a Talent Partner for the Graduate Academy which was a great reminder for me that I can achieve my goals.
My responsibility as a talent partner is to understand what our graduates are looking for in their first role in practice and support them through this journey which sometimes can be daunting for them! It is a big decision to make and having our support helps them not just to say yes but to know that they are making the right decision.
It's the ideal start for a vet after graduating. Graduates may feel apprehensive about starting to work in practice. They have the knowledge they need, but may need to build the confidence in applying that knowledge during their day to day in practice. We offer our graduates support and mentorship and help them to keep developing themselves and their knowledge through a structured programme.
IVC Evidensia focuses on nurturing talent through our Graduate Academy by providing a holistic approach to learning, we support continuous development, practical experience, and mentorship. There’s a real focus on hands-on learning, ongoing support, and exposure to diverse experiences within the veterinary field.
We offer a great balanced approach between formal training and on-the-job experience. We offer structured learning modules, workshops, and seminars to provide foundational knowledge. Simultaneously, participants engage in real-world scenarios, practical rotations, and shadowing opportunities to apply their learning in a hands-on environment. This combination ensures a comprehensive understanding while honing practical skills crucial for success in veterinary practice.
One of the reasons why I love my job as a Talent Partner is because I feel excited for the graduates, it is such an exciting moment in life for them and I like to be part of the experience. I know that our Graduate Academy programme is the perfect start for a successful career so I would say that for me, it all comes down to passion. You can do anything as long as you have the passion, because we offer that structure and support to develop skills and knowledge.
We implement a diverse recruitment strategy with blind application processes to reduce unconscious biases. Our structured interviews focus on competencies, and we train our selection panels to recognise and mitigate biases. We have initiatives to attract candidates from various backgrounds and actively foster an inclusive environment within the programme.
Within the Graduate Academy, there can be opportunities for advancement through mentorship, skill development programs, and exposure to different veterinary specialities. Post-program, individuals could progress into roles such as specialised vets, senior vets or clinical directors. We are proud to offer that support for continuous learning, leadership programs, and career paths to support professional growth with us.
Our job as Talent Partners is to find the right vacancies for the graduates and since it is a stressful time for them, to make the process as smooth as possible. My advice would be to be as open as possible with us, the Talent Partners. Talk to us about your interests, about your preferred location, your EMS experience, and where you see yourself in the future.
Ask questions too! Taking a new job is a big step for everyone, you probably have questions, so do share them with your Talent Partner.
Baking! I’ve been baking for some time now for family and friends – I’m baking all the birthday cakes! I like gardening too; my partner and I enjoy working on our front and back gardens. We like growing veggies, when the weather allows us to.
I have a beautiful very well-behaved 4 year old cockapoo called Bella. She’s been the best partner for the last 4 years. She’s the most loving dog and everyone falls in love with her as soon as they meet her.
Coffee always!
City break
I would say films, especially action films. I do like reading self-help books too.