What was your motivation for wanting to be a Vet? Have you always had a love of animals?
The interview is asking this question to establish your reasons for wanting to work within veterinary medicine. When answering this question it is important that you explain what influences you have had when making your decision, is it a family profession? have you always wanted to work in this industry?
"I have always wanted to work as a vet, ever since I was a child. I, obviously, have a huge love for animals and wildlife and think that setting my career goal from a young age has kept me focused and aligned to my future employment choices. My father is also a vet and so I think following in his footsteps is a good choice"
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, of course, have been surrounded by animals my entire life. I grew up in a house full of dogs, while my grandma owned cats and my granddad owned many exotic birds which is what first initially sparked my interest. Paired with visits to the vet's I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a vet. As I've grown older and looked at various careers involved in some way with animals from zoology to marine biology, none of them sparked my enthusiasm and passion as much as veterinary medicine.
Rachelle's Feedback
Good response! I have changed the wording a touch, to make your answer easier to follow.
"Growing up, I was surrounded by animals including dogs, and cats. My grandfather owned many exotic birds which is what initially sparked my interested in veterinary medicine. I would go with him to the vet and was fascinated by what they could do to help animals. As I have grown older, I have looked into educational paths such as zoology and marine biology; however, nothing sparks my enthusiasm quite as much as veterinary medicine."
Anonymous Answer
I grew up around animals; my mother always made sure we took in stray cats. My desire to work with animals began with elephants. My heritage in India always seemed to follow me, and I found myself wanting to study these magnificent creatures. I was involved in research in Thailand with elephants, where I met a wildlife veterinarian who inspired me to incorporate my passion for animals with my interest in medicine.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is wonderful inspiration, indeed! Nice answer.
Anonymous Answer
I have always loved science, amongst many other subjects. When I was a little girl, I had a toy microscope and a doctor's kit. As I grew older, I began to understand that this field is exceptionally people-oriented. I love people and animals alike. Chasing a career such as veterinary medicine would allow me to build relationships with both animal patients and humans.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a nice approach that really shows off your interest in science and making meaningful connections with others.
Anonymous Answer
I always had a love for animals and wanted to work with them even before I knew it was work. As a kid growing up, we always had animals, went to zoos, and watched animal planet. I was also lucky enough to grow up with a veterinarian as a mother. I made every day I could take your kid to work day to get a glimpse at what she was doing. No other career option could ever compare, working with animals and helping them was my calling, and I have spent the last few years making it a reality.
Rachelle's Feedback
It is terrific that you are taking on a similar career to your mother; how exciting! You give a nice overview here, bringing your passion for animals to the forefront.
Anonymous Answer
I feel this career suits my character well for many reasons. I am experienced in dealing with the public through my job, so I can effectively communicate with owners. It is an exciting job, where each day is completely different and gives new opportunities to learn. The ability to alleviate animal suffering is a privilege I would love to have and would give me a great deal of job satisfaction. I am curious and interested in the biological and behavioral aspects of animals.
Rachelle's Feedback
Excellent revision! Your desire to make a difference in the lives of animals is apparent.
Anonymous Answer
As early as I can remember, I have always known I wanted to be a veterinarian. Ever since I had pets as a child, I was excited to go to vet appointments for my pets. I followed my passion through undergraduate studies, though I was not immediately ready to go to vet school following graduation. I also explored other career options in animal care, such as a poultry technician, and as a horse trainer. Through these experiences and my time volunteering in veterinary clinics, I have found that I would have the most success and fulfillment in a veterinary career.
Rachelle's Feedback
You give the interviewer a really clear picture of your desires and how you were able to reach this path to veterinarian school. Nice overview!
Anonymous Answer
Through being told the story of Hachiko I developed an understanding of the loyalty that animals show humans. Also, humans and animals have worked together for thousands of years, this unique bond helped me to understand the importance of pets as being part of the family therefore through helping animals you have a very large impact on a lot of different people's lives.
Additionally, I have always had a love for maths and biology. I think this is an important part of the career as maths can be used in drug calculations and the application of skills for problem-solving. I enjoy school because of the aspect that you are constantly learning. This can also be applied to veterinary medicine as there is such a wide variety of animals that you have to be constantly learning but also there will be technology updates that will result in the learning of new techniques throughout the career.
Amanda's Feedback
Good job! The bond between humans and animals can be very strong. Consider enhancing this answer by sharing a specific example of that unique bond in your own life or by relating a memorable example of how excellent veterinary care supported that animal/human bond for a client.
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