I’ve been working as a graduate vet at Blackness Vets for about four months now.

Becoming a vet became an option for me in the last couple of years of high school. I always liked science and was good at it. I realised this was a career path where I could do science, see lots of animals, and chat to people all day. That felt like a pretty ideal combination for me!

While still at school, I did some work experience with a few different vet practices, and it felt right for me. It’s definitely turned out to be the right choice for me!

How is the transition from university to practice going?

I’m really happy! I work at a really supportive practice, and it’s been exactly what I hoped for.

There is of course a mix of challenges: seeing lots of animals, using my brain a lot, and I’ve even found I like surgery much more than I anticipated. I’ve had a good surgical caseload, and while there are tough moments, it’s been so rewarding to feel like a proper vet, and I’m supported by my team.

What’s your favourite thing about being a vet so far?

I really like working on medical cases, particularly when they get more complicated, and I have to think through diagnostics and prioritise tests. But surgery has quickly become a joint favourite, which I didn’t expect before graduating. I quite like hiding away in the operating theatre and focusing on something completely!

What was it that made you choose to work with IVC Evidensia and join our Graduate Academy programme?

I went to a careers event when I was in my second-to-last year of vet school, and I got to connect with an IVC Evidensia practice in Edinburgh. Before that, I thought corporate environments potentially weren’t for me. But the vets I spoke to showed me it could be a great option. I realised that being part of the IVC Evidensia network means you still have clinical freedom, which was very important to me.

I felt that the Graduate Academy offered a structured, supportive environment and the opportunity to connect with other graduates.

Tell us more about Blackness Vets

We’re a medium-sized practice with six vets, and it’s pretty busy. Being in Dundee’s city centre, we get a lot of emergency cases and a good amount of surgical work. We see clients with a wide range of financial capabilities, so it’s about prioritising what’s most important for the animal in each situation.

The team is lovely - the vets are friendly, and the nursing team is amazing. It’s a really supportive environment for a new graduate.

What aspect of the Graduate Academy has been most beneficial to you so far?

Definitely the social side. It’s been great to feel like part of a community. My practice mostly has older, more experienced vets which is great for mentorship, but it's been fantastic to also be able to connect with graduates at a similar stage to me who have the same questions that I do.

At the Graduate Academy events and during our online CPD sessions, you get to see other new grads asking questions about the same things you’re worrying about. That reassurance that you’re not alone has been the biggest perk so far.

How has the support of your mentor benefited you?

My VetGDP advisor has been very helpful. He’s great at reminding me to relax and not stress so much. But all the vets here take on some level of a mentoring role. Everyone is willing to teach, answer questions, and help out.

It’s also great because I have regular meetings with my advisor, which is reassuring because I know he’s there if I need some support on anything.

Is there anything specific you’re looking forward to learning or working on in the next few months?

Right now, my biggest focus is on dentals. We have CPD training for that in February, and I’m excited to feel more confident in that area. Beyond that, I’m looking forward to building my caseload, handling more emergencies, and working more independently.

Every month I’m in practice, I feel more capable, and more exciting opportunities come up. I can’t wait to see where I’m at in a few months.

Would you have any advice for graduates trying to decide between the IVC Graduate Academy and other options?

The practice itself plays a big part in that decision process, but IVC Evidensia really stood out to me for the structured support the Graduate Academy offers. I could see they carefully select their new-grad practices, and the whole process felt clear and organised.

The application process was also much easier than some others I encountered. There was one central interview, and then I visited the practice - it wasn’t a long, drawn-out series of online interviews or tests.

Outside of work, what do you like to do to unwind?

I enjoy bouldering, running, and hiking. I usually try to get out during my lunch break for a quick climb. Moving to Dundee has been great for exploring the hills, too.

Tell us about your pets

I’ve just moved house, and I now live with two cats, Marty and Rusty. They’re not mine, but they’re wonderful and make the house feel calm and happy.

What advice do you have for vet students or other new grad vets?

I think it’s just important to say that even when you feel like you’re struggling, you’re probably on the right track. Having support from my practice and being part of the IVC Evidensia network has made a big difference.

Just hearing someone say, “You’re doing a good job,” can lift you up and help you have faith in yourself and your abilities.