Key reflections

Overview

You may be asked to reflect on your placements and explain what you learnt from them. The interviewers are looking for you be insightful. You should focus your reflection on:

• What surprised you?
• What challenged your thinking?
• What confirmed that you want to be a vet?
• What did you learn about what being a vet is like?
• What did you learn about yourself?
• What made you question your choice in vet med?
• What shocked you about the career?
• What did you notice about multidisciplinary teams?
• What did they do to maintain cleanliness?
• Anything else that stands out to you?
• How did you feel?

Reflecting

When reflecting, it is important to:

• See and understand the pressures of the job
• Your reflections may be negative (and this is ok!) it shows that you are aware of the downsides of the profession
• Understand how emotionally intense clients can be
• Don’t narrate events; interviewers want insight
• Reflection involves self-improvement

Why this matters

• Shows maturity
• Shows that you’re aware
• Shows you’re emotionally ready

Example

‘I spent a week on a small animal placement, one of the most impactful things I saw was an elderly lady whose dog the vet was euthanising as its condition was deteriorating. This was the first time I had seen anything that was so emotionally challenging so I found it initially upsetting. The vet was empathetic towards the client and spoke her through the procedure, making me realise how important communication is within the role. I now have a much deeper understanding of the profession and confirmed to me that as well as the practical side of the profession, I am prepared for the emotionally challenging side of being a vet too.’