Who is your current employer and what do they do?
I work for Nestle Purina Petcare UK
What is your job title and what does the job entail?
My job title is Veterinary Nutrition Partner (VNP) for Scotland. This involves working in a field-based role and engaging with veterinary practices in my territory. I Part of my role requires I plan and deliver a wide range of activities that give the practices educational support as well as managing ongoing relationships with each practice.
How did you achieve your current position?
I’ve been a qualified RVN for 8 years and the last 3 years I worked full time as a locum RVN, both in general and referral practice. It was within this role I discovered how much I enjoyed managing myself as a business (you learn a lot being self-employed), growing my skillset and finding how much I truly believe in nutrition for all round, good health. Yet there is a gap in our industry on nutrition as a topic, finding the right food can be a total mind field for us and owners, and so I looked for ways in which I could be passionate and believe in what I do with the flexibility locuming gave me. Work life balance is crucial, so this was a huge box to be ticked for me.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I absolutely love how this role gives me both the freedom of flexibility managing my practices and enabling me to spread the importance of nutrition further within the veterinary industry.
What are the challenging aspects about your job?
It can be challenging at times, especially coming from veterinary nursing into a more corporate world. However, I love how our skills can be so transferable and are so valuable in this type of role.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to further develop my skillset within this role and see what opportunities become available to me within the company – the scope is so vast!
What other qualifications do you hold?
I hold a certificate in feline nursing from ISFM – ISFMCertFN.
What key piece of advice would you give to anyone wishing to follow a similar career path?
Say YES, then think about it later! The best achievements in my career have been saying yes to new opportunities and learning as I go. One of my favourite’s quotes is: “You’re not a tree, the secret of getting ahead is getting started”. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
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