Question: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to become a vet?

Konstantinos Drousiotis answered on 3 Nov 2016:

Hi there,

That’s an interesting and complicated question at the same time. You’d soon find out that choosing a career path is not always an easy task!

I love pets (own two lovely cats myself, whose purring is better than a night lullaby!); I am sure you probably do as well if you are planning becoming a vet. The love for pets is definitely a feeling that can get you into wanting to help and cure any diseases the pets may experience. However, this means you’ll get to see them suffer on a daily basis which might make you upset.

I thought I was suitable to become a surgeon, because of the exact same reasons; I was and still am too eager to help people! It’s safe to say though I was wrong! During highschool I had the chance to undertake a month’s placement in a hospital. When I overshadowed a surgery, the nurse removed me from the operating room because I turned yellow and wanted to vomit watching the surgeons doing their job. Therefore, I would definitely suggest undertaking a placement (possibly a summer one?) before you make your decision. It will be far more clearer then!

Also, choosing to become a vet is a challenging (yet rewarding) path. It requires you undertake specific GCSE subjects during high school such as Chemistry, Biology, Maths and/or Physics. These are considered fairly difficult subjects however they’ll provide you with enough knowledge to enter uni with confidence. When you finally become one the salary is really good and better off than many other jobs. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!