Personal Development Plan
My goal post-graduation is to build my own business as a freelance Veterinary Physiotherapist. The biggest step I have taken to achieve this is enrolling on the MVetPhys course here at Writtle, but I realise there are many additional skills I need to gain on top of what my course provides me with to succeed in this field.
This personal development plan (PDP) is designed to help me to reflect on my current skillset, and how I can realistically expand and improve it over the next three and a half years I have left at university.
Current Skills, Strengths & Qualities
Have previously worked full-time in multiple customer-facing jobs, mainly in hospitality
Attended reputable equine college and gained experience of a variety of horses
Confident in my handling ability with most horses
Hold BHS Stage 1 qualification at Distinction
Hold a full driving licence
Canine hydrotherapy experience
Experience in stewarding BD shows
Areas for improvement
Have not driven in 6 months as do not have a car
Need further canine handling experience
Need more equine competition experience
Achieve BHS Stage 2
The above areas for improvement are my main focus at the moment. The principle one being my driving – although I passed my driving test last year, I have not driven since as I cannot currently afford a car. It would be virtually impossible to work as a freelance therapist without my own transport, so getting a car and getting more experience driving on my own is my main priority. It’s also easily the most expensive aspect of my PDP.
However, I am purchasing a car in June 2017, and will work full-time over the summer break to earn the money to pay for insurance. This will give me 3 years of experience driving on my own before I start my business. The car I am buying is a Volkswagen Golf which I feel is sufficiently spacious and professional-looking to be used as my business transport when I finish my degree.
The canine handling sessions on my course have made it clear to me that despite my experience in canine hydrotherapy, my canine handling is still lacking considerably, as well as my knowledge of the canine industry as a whole. I plan to secure work experience at either a shelter, vet’s practice or hunting kennels over the summer so I can develop this. I am also considering subscribing to a veterinary or canine-oriented magazine to broaden my knowledge of the industry as a whole.
Although I do have experience of my college yard, which was a large competition centre, and have stewarded some BD shows, I feel my experience of working with competition horses is lacking. I have never had a job at a “real” competition yard due to my lack of transport. Hopefully once I have my car I can try to get work experience of even a job at a competition or racing yard, to get more hands on experience of highly strung, fit horses.
I achieved my BHS Stage 1 Exam with a Distinction grade two years ago, but after failing my Riding & Road Safety test last year, I somewhat gave up with my BHS exams. The particular exam was badly run which made me lose faith a little. However, I know how important and well recognised BHS qualifications are, so I will need to retake and pass this test before I’m able to take my Stage 2. I feel these would benefit me by showing to potential clients that I have a recognised ability in caring for and riding horses.
