Part-Time and Online Student
Tell us about your background (education and current work experience).
I finished my Veterinary Medicine studies in 2021 and worked for a few months in a small animal clinic as a veterinarian. I was doing mainly spaying and neutering surgeries, wound treatment, and other treatment for stray animals or housed animals.
All my patients were cats and dogs and only in rare cases were some exotic animals that we referred to other specialized veterinarians.
How did you become interested in the Master of Veterinary Science degree program?
I wanted to change my career path and pivot away from small animal practice. Client interactions within our small animal clinic were growing increasingly frustrating, and I was looking for a new environment and change within my career. I always loved livestock animals even before starting my studies in Veterinary Medicine. The University in my city did not offer any Master’s Degree and the tuition cost for their newly opened Veterinary Medicine department is very high for me or other people I know. However, I came across the advertisement for the University of Illinois online Master of Veterinary Science with a simple search online during a busy day at work. Making this career change and starting the Master of Veterinary Science degree in my opinion was the best decision I ever made in my studies. The program fits all my needs. With the flexibility of choosing every class, I love to learn more and that will help me in the future. With the program being online, I also have the benefit of the reduced to zero cost of moving to a different country, paying extra costs for rent living, etc.
What sets the MVS degree/program apart from other programs you’ve either participated in or considered?
The program is not just a set of courses; you are calling the shots as a future professional in a challenging industry. Everything is available to fit your needs, and the staff is always readily available each semester to discuss which courses best suit your interests and goals, as well as assist in any setback or problem I have faced related to the program.
In my opinion, the individual with the most knowledge and ability to think critically is the person set to overcome every challenge easily within the industry. This program will set me up to do just that! Some job positions in Cyprus where I live, specifically need to have in-depth knowledge in subjects only available in this: biosecurity, managing a farm in the best cost-effective way possible, and One Health (which is very important for the veterinarians working in the EU).
Tell us about a course in the program that impacted you. How was the content useful?
It is difficult to separate a specific course from the others, as it is not the course alone that is important but what goals and skills you want to develop more through the course. For example, I loved the biosecurity classes because I found it’s better to take preventative measures than try to fix everything when the “storm” comes. Also, as a new veterinarian with limited experience in livestock farms, I had the best result possible when visiting farms, from the guidance of our teachers. The main takeaways from the courses that I have found most useful are limiting the cost of diagnosis/test and implementing small changes to see the biggest impact on the health of the animals and the sustainability of a farm.
The MVS degree helps students “discover what’s next” in their career. What’s next for you?
I have a few ideas on what I want to do next and every day new opportunities open up. I applied to job openings for Veterinarians working in the Veterinary Service of the government here (to do the same things I am learning in the MVS program). Also, because of the growing popularity of Veterinary studies in my country, I may apply to work as a staff member or apply for PhD at a University in my city.
What is one thing about the program you would say to someone considering this degree?
When choosing the program, you are not only making the best decision in your career, but you also get to know many professors who are at the top in their industry who teach you how you make the best decision in any situation (small animal or farm system). Through the program, you can get the best ideas on how to reach any goals you have for your future career.