Name: Damien
Role Title: Veterinarian
Location:Tatura

Description of work undertaken: Damien completes a range of duties on a variety of animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, cats and dogs. Work duties vary between seasons, for example calving, reproduction, manipulation and control activities all occur at different times of the year. Damien performs surgeries, vaccinations and generally attends to sick and injured animals.

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
As a veterinarian, Damien must be able to work in a team, assist in surgery, and in difficult cases provide support to his colleagues. He bears a large responsibility because people trust him with their animals.

Future?
Damien is enjoying his role at the clinic due to the wide variety of tasks he performs. In future he may go overseas to gain broader experience in the profession and see the world. Damien also wishes to complete further study with the aim of specialising in horses.

BACKGROUND: Grew up where? Damien grew up mainly in metropolitan Melbourne. His influence on career selection was his family's keen interest in horse racing so he has regularly attended race meetings and training. Damien has also worked on dairy farms. Course(s) studied: Tertiary /post secondary: Damien completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (University of Melbourne).

Secondary:
Damien attended Parade College in Bundoora. Damien took it upon himself to investigate requirements to complete a Veterinary Science degree.

Work experience:
In his Veterinary Science degree, Damien had to undertake voluntary work at clinics and on farms. His experiences have included milking cows, calf rearing and farm maintenance at Kerang and Toolamba dairy farms. Damien also worked at two different horse studs where he learnt about foal management, horse husbandry and rearing for sales.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Further study:
Damien says there are many opportunities for further study.

Learning on job, new skills, etc.
Damien is continually learning as a Veterinarian through experience, peers, resources and regularly attending conferences.

Travel, etc.
There are many opportunities to travel both in Australia and overseas.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Damien suggests that students should try to research and appreciate a wide range of professions, and regularly question people in these industries about their opinions and thoughts on their careers.

VCE students
Damien believes that students should work hard and try to keep options open because thoughts on careers can change over time.

Tertiary students
Damien recommends that students should get 'out and about' and spend time researching what it is vets actually do. This can be achieved through practical placement at clinics.

OTHER:
Comments, thoughts, suggestions.
Damien believes that being a Veterinarian is a great occupation. There are always new experiences and changing developments within the field of Veterinarian Science. The job also offers numerous opportunities for work outdoors.

What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Occupations include Sales Representatives and Quarantine Officers.