I rolled in the veterinary industry sideways. A practice owner I knew had a sudden severe staff shortage, so I stepped in for the day. I never planned to work in the veterinary industry, but my career unfolded from there.
I’m currently Regional Manager for group of practices in Sydney. However, I began my career as a Caseworker at Child Protection services in The Netherlands. Although seemingly that line of work has nothing in common with vet nursing or operations management, I draw on my social work experience often.
After moving to Australia, I got a job in a vet clinic as a receptionist. Soon, I became a veterinary nurse, then a practice team leader and then a business manager. When the group of clinics I was working for joined VetPartners I became Operations Manager and then Regional Manager within VetPartners.
I love the veterinary industry and I really enjoy my current role. I’m in a position where I can improve the lives of our vets and nurses and have the opportunity to make a real difference. Interestingly, I’ve been very scared of dogs all my life. I even made an agreement with the owner of one clinic that I wouldn’t have to go near any dogs! Of course, I ended up becoming a veterinary nurse and quickly overcame my fears. I now have a beautiful dog of my own.
I never imagined I’d go from being a social worker to where I am now when I first started out. But, they say if your goals aren’t at least a little laughable, they aren’t ambitious enough!
