Mentor Scheme

The NZVA's mission is ‘to promote excellence in the veterinary profession through service to and on behalf of members’. As part of this our Mentor Scheme partners new graduates up with experienced practitioners who will be on hand to help guide and nurture them as they transition into the veterinary world and start their career.

This is an exciting (and sometimes stressful) time for new graduates, as many leave Massey University and move away from friends and family, often with high levels of debt.

Together, mentor and graduate can develop a plan that will help build their veterinary career. Our mentors encourage new graduates to attend regional branch activities, are available to give advice and will be there as a friend if their graduate has recently moved to the area.

Here's what two of our graduates said about the scheme:

I had an extremely stressful year with my former boss. Having [name supplied] as a mentor was hugely beneficial. He gave me useful practical advice from time to time over the phone and invited me to observe some interesting surgeries at his clinic. I was very grateful for his support and advice in dealing with issues at my job.

 

Definitely think it's a good practice and works well. Met with my mentor, who was very generous in taking me out to dinner and we had some good chats and I have gone to him since then with questions.

Although primarily for new graduates, this scheme is also available for veterinarians from overseas who may need assistance when starting out in New Zealand.

New graduates seeking mentors
If you would like a mentor, you can either contact your class rep or contact us directly at nzva [at] vets [dot] org [dot] nz.

Mentors
Practicing veterinarians who would like to become, or continue to be, a mentor need to complete and return a Mentor Registration Form. As an added incentive, mentors also receive CPD points for participating in this scheme.