BVA Launches 1-2-1 Careers Service

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has added a one-to-one careers advice service to its growing range of career and work-based support for members. The BVA Careers Service covers everything from exploring career options and progressing your career to overcoming setbacks, as well as returning to employment after a break. It will be launched officially at the London Vet Show 2012 (15-16 November, Olympia), where BVA will be holding the first ever BVA Careers Fair, including a series of lectures, and one-to-one sessions designed to help members take the next step in their careers. BVA has teamed up with C2 Careers to deliver the new service which will provide one-to-one coaching by email or in person at highly discounted rates for BVA members and will provide advice by phone exclusively for BVA. BVA members attending the London Vet Show will also be the first to get their hands on the new ‘BVA guide to job hunting’ which has been produced in association with Vet Record Careers and includes comprehensive advice and guidance on getting a job, such as preparing a CV, writing application letters, effective interview techniques and more. Sarah^* a BVA member who trialled the new phone advice service for BVA said: “I had several ideas turning over in my head but I have been so unsure about a potential change from life in practice that I had been going round in circles... David [from the BVA Careers Service] helped me to recognise this (which was a relief in itself) and to take the pressure off any immediate decisions. “He has given me some helpful steps to take in terms of making in-roads into some of the career possibilities that I have been considering. “I have been feeling under a lot of pressure at work and have been feeling stuck and frustrated. I feel so much better for speaking to someone experienced about my situation - it has taken away a lot of the fear that I had about a potential change.” Peter Jones, President of the BVA, said: “It's so important that the BVA provides services that our members really value and we know that careers advice is high on the list, especially for our younger colleagues. “Not every veterinary surgeon wants to take the same career path and we don't always know what else is out there or have the confidence to take a different route. “I'm particularly delighted that the new BVA Careers Service will be able to offer support in a range of different ways to suit individuals.” Gemma Ludgate, Careers Consultant at C2 Careers, said: “From my experience of managing the careers service at the Royal Veterinary College I appreciate how difficult it can be when vets who have never considered any other career begin to question whether they are on the right path. I look forward to supporting individuals in discovering more about their wider skills and interests as well as the diverse range of career options available. “As well as helping with career planning, we are experienced in giving guidance on approaching a job search process including CV writing, application writing and professional interview skills.” ^* Name changed

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