How has your education to date influenced your decision to train as a veterinarian?
The interviewer is probing for information on your previous education and studies, as well as whether you made practical, real-world connections between your academic studies and the world of work. When answering this question focus on what part your education has played in your decision to become a vet. If you have had work experience and/or internships, this is an opportunity to talk specifically about what you learned in the classroom that helped you in your decision.
"I consider my education very relevant to my choice of career. I had always taken additional courses in veterinary studies, however, I was lucky enough to enroll onto a work experience placement, to gain employability skills, which was within the veterinary industry, and I thoroughly enjoyed the placement and this influenced my decision."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I have always envisioned myself pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, and my academic endeavors, specifically my undergraduate studies in animal science, have only added to knowledge and understanding of the field. Studying animal science in college expanded my interest in species. My undergraduate studies focused heavily on large animals and agricultural practices, and this has given me a solid foundation of ethics and public health initiatives within veterinary medicine.
Rachelle's Feedback
Very well said! You take the interviewer through a quick yet informative educational journey.
Anonymous Answer
In my undergraduate studies, I was fortunate to take many hands-on courses in animal science that were integrated with the on-campus farm. I learned large animal handling skills, which also included employment working with horses and chickens. I also took internships with veterinarians, which gave me valuable clinic experience. These experiences made me fascinated about animal care and made me strive to become a veterinarian to reach the highest education on caring for animals.
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems your experiences are vast and highly valuable. This is a nice overview, and your passion shines through.
Anonymous Answer
My education and life experiences have influenced me to train as a veterinarian. The courses that I have taken allowed me to become interested and passionate about the topics. Then acting on those interests and passions by working at Metropolitan Veterinary hospital and interning with a doctor at Washington State had taught me so much, which allowed me to decide that helping animals is my true passion.
Rachelle's Feedback
You offer a nice overview of how your passion has built over time. When you say 'passionate about the topics,' it would be a nice touch to unpack exactly which topics are of the most interest to you.
Anonymous Answer
Microbial Pathogenesis was applicable to my experience in small animal medicine. The class emphasized the importance of aseptic technique during surgery, due to the existence of dangerous bacteria that have quickly evolved to resist antibiotics and infect the body. Behavioral analysis class piqued my interest in the behavioral aspects of small animal medicine. Organic chemistry also wired my brain to think more critically to successfully diagnose patients in the future.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is awesome! Your answer is highly specific, and you do a great job bringing your interests to life for the interviewer.
Anonymous Answer
I am currently doing A-Levels in chemistry, biology, and PE. Topics in biology such as Immune response and protein synthesis are extremely relevant to veterinary medicine. I first learned about viruses and their structure which led me to research coronavirus. I found that cats can contract COVID-19 and spread it to other cats after reading a study carried out by the University of Wisconsin. Also through biology, I have learned that cancerous tissue forms as a result of a mutation in DNA. Because I am so fascinated by these topics I know that Veterinary medicine is the right course for me.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your excitement and enthusiasm for animal medicine and care certainly do shine through. This answer is very compelling, and you provide excellent detail. Well done :)
Anonymous Answer
One of my favorite topics in school is interpreting NMR and infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry graphs in order to identify an organic compound. This allows me to be open-minded, innovate and use critical thinking. This made me realize I want to enter a profession where every day I can enjoy the intellectual challenge of problem-solving and thinking outside the box. Along with this, I loved learning about the gaseous exchange system in my biology A level. It was the first time I got to explore how organ systems differ across different animals, and I found it fascinating. I learnt that fish have a countercurrent exchange system to maintain a steep concentration gradient and maximize diffusion. I learned that insects have spiracles for gasses to diffuse in and out of and sphincters to keep them open. This really sparked intellectual curiosity for me, and I realized I wanted to explore different animals more. My desire to work with animals was confirmed to me during my work experience in a small animal vet clinic and an equestrian centre, where I experienced firsthand the fulfilling lifestyle of protecting the human-animal bond.
Rachelle's Feedback
These details that you have learned are fascinating, and it's clear that you have a genuine curiosity and desire to learn more about animals, insects, and more! Well said.
Anonymous Answer
I have really enjoyed biology and maths which I think has had a big impact on my decision to choose veterinary. As I enjoy the problem-solving part of maths which I understand to be a big part of the veterinary career as vets have to use lateral thinking to apply the knowledge they know to other animals. I saw this in the book the traveling vet where he had to use knowledge of tortoises to an armadillo. Additionally, as animals cant speak, vets have to use problem-solving to solve a case which I think can be quite rewarding.
I also understand that as a vet techniques are constantly being modified as technology advances, this involves constantly learning which I find exciting as there are always ways to improve.
Amanda's Feedback
Great answer! You've shared the academic areas that you enjoy and have inspired you to pursue veterinary medicine. I also like that you've used supporting information to talk about how you enjoy learning and applying new technology to solve complex problems or provide better care. This shows the interviewer that you've thought about how your skills and talents would help you excel in the profession.
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