Voluntary > Reviews (14)

Although, I am not a vegetarian, I absolutely love animals. If you share this passion - the thought of becoming a Vet will have crossed your mind at least once in your life. However, for most people this is just a phase, because the idea of helping a cow give birth and then having to eat your lunch afterwards, does not tend to appeal to the average individual.

Anyway, as you have probably guessed already, I am one of the exceptions. I have wanted to become a veterinary surgeon, since I was seven years old. Fifteen years later, I am finally getting closer to achieving my life long goal.

So, what has this got to do with voluntary work then?

That’s simple!

If you want to become a veterinary surgeon you have to have a veterinary degree. Surprisingly enough passing a veterinary degree, does not seem to be that much of a problem for the majority of the students. Where as getting a place on the course, is a real challenge! Of course, you are expected to get AAB at A-level in all three sciences (or include Maths instead of Physics), but the thing that separates the successful candidates from the unsuccessful candidates, always seems to be EXPERIENCE.

(Here is where Voluntary work comes in.) When you apply for work experience at a veterinary clinic, there is usually a waiting list as long as your arm. Then, when you finally do get a placement, they can only fit you in for a two-week placement. To be successful at gaining a place on a veterinary degree course you have to prove the you know what the job entails and that you are sure you want to work with animals.

Voluntary work with animals is a fantastic way of gaining that vital experience. I have done work with the RSPCA, Cat Shelters and Welfare Animal Homes (in and around my home area). This gave me experience of working with dogs, cats and rabbits along with the occasional fox, hedgehog and pigeon. Before you start work, you are trained on the area that you are to help with, in order to ensure that you do not cause any harm to yourself or any of the resident animals. You are then introduce to the animals that you are going to work with, to ensure that you are capable of controlling them - should they escape!

I really enjoyed doing voluntary work, because the people you work with are always a lot happier, as they want to be there (rather than just forcing themselves through each day simply to earn their daily bread). Voluntary work allows you to try different jobs, which can sometimes lead you into a new career path.

Voluntary work is not only useful for gaining work experience for the Veterinary sectors either. You can do voluntary work for a variety of different places, which can help you start on the right foot for a number of different careers. A good example, gaining working experience within a nursing home on a voluntary basis. Working with the elderly or people with disabilities can not only be very satisfying work, but can also help you on your way into either a nursing or other medical professions.

For students, who wish to take a gap year from study and are unsure of what they want to achieve with their time, voluntary work can give them a lot of life experiences. Whilst working at any voluntary establishment you will learn general health and safety procedures, good time management, team work, good communication skills, customer service and most importantly respect for other people. All of these skills are essential to being successful in any job and most students have difficulty gaining enough work experience to naturally acquire these skills.

The great thing about voluntary work is that you are helping the community, whilst gaining new experiences yourself. I also find that it is a good way of making new friends with people that have similar interests to you. I would recommend that anyone wanting a change of career, more experience in the veterinary field or simply just want do their bit for charity, give voluntary work ago. You never know you might like it!