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Choosing to study veterinary medicine is a long road to what can be an extremely challenging, but ultimately fulfilling career.

Here are five reasons why you might want to consider working in this field, with some advice from Hannah Davies, Veterinary Programme Advisor at the international animal charity, SPANA.

You like a challenge

It goes without saying that a veterinary medicine degree is going to be tricky, and your job at the end of it will also see some incredibly tough days, but it’s this challenge and diversity that can make veterinary medicine such an interesting area to study and to work in.

Davies says, "I wanted a challenge, I wanted to learn about animal medicine and surgery, I wanted to make a difference and I wanted a career that would enable me to experience different things every day. To me, veterinary medicine was the only option, nothing else would have quite matched up!"

You're an organised learner

If you’re already good at coming up with those learning timetables, have your folders immaculately sorted out and are a stickler for homework, then this could be a great course for your skills.

Davies herself admits it was a learning curve for her. "My biggest challenge at vet school was teaching myself how to study efficiently. It is a difficult course and there is a large volume of information taught each day. In my first year, I found out that I was mostly very good at procrastinating! But as I progressed through vet school I learnt revision techniques, and how to organise my time more efficiently."

You appreciate community

Studying veterinary subjects means you should find many like-minded individuals on your course who will all share the same passion for animal care as you, which can often make for a great community feel.

"Being at vet school is like being part of a massive vet family; you eat, study, and party together! I have made wonderful friends at vet school who will stay with me forever. And even after graduation, you become part of the wider vet community, everyone sort of looks out for everyone else," adds Davies.

You want a career that is a way of life, not just a job

Having a passion for your work is the key to being successful in many jobs, but it’s particularly true of vets. A veterinary medicine course will equip with you the right skills and tactics to cope with this way of living.

Davies agrees, "It can be hard to find the right work-life balance. But vet school prepares you well. It is a hard course, with a hectic timetable, and plenty of work experience to squeeze into your ‘holidays’, so after five years you know what you are letting yourself in for!"

You want a rewarding career where you can make a difference

Davies says that she would recommend studying veterinary medicine to others simply for the job satisfaction being a vet brings. "I have been qualified for six years and have already experienced such fantastic things from my career in veterinary medicine. It brings a new challenge every day.

"I now work for an international working animal charity, meaning I get to help working animals and those that rely on them in some of the world’s poorest communities. It is a thoroughly rewarding career."

Davies has this piece of advice for those thinking of studying veterinary medicine, "Work hard and don’t give up! It is worth it! And remember to have fun."