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The UK’s official graduate careers website
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Newly qualified veterinary surgeons usually work as assistants for some time before being offered the opportunity to become a partner or a principal in a veterinary practice. However, many practices are now owned by large companies that employ vets on a salary basis, which has decreased partnership opportunities. Not every vet wants to become a partner, as it involves increased responsibility, the need for more business and management skills and a financial input into the practice.
Once working, there are opportunities for vets to specialise in particular areas. They can do this through either existing practices or practices noted for expertise in a particular field, such as equine medicine, small animal surgery or dermatology. Further training is required for these specialisations, which may lead to a diploma.
With further training, extensive professional experience and publication of articles on a chosen area, it is possible to gain Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Recognised Specialist Status. Recognised specialists offer consultation in their chosen field.
There are also opportunities to work for employers such as animal welfare societies and government services, for example in the Veterinary Laboratories Agency or the Veterinary Medicines Directorate , which is focused on the licensing of veterinary medicines.
Vets may undertake research, teaching and academic work in universities, research institutes and pharmaceutical companies. Veterinary research leads to a greater understanding of how diseases originate and spread and what effect this has on animals. This may lead to improved prevention strategies against specific diseases, the production of vaccines, improved diagnostic tests, and the ability to breed more healthy and productive animals. Veterinary researchers also play a particular role in food safety - developing prophylactic, therapeutic and management strategies to prevent disease in food animal species.
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