2016 Essay Competition - View all entries

Factors I Considered when Choosing my Career

Micaela Ball - Louis Tichardt, South Africa

As a young adult, choosing a career can be challenging. Most of us are still exploring who we are and are still very reliant on the world around us. This decision should not be taken lightly. There are many aspects that I took into consideration when choosing my veterinary career and many reasons why I chose it.

Veterinary science fascinates me. It is what I am passionate about. It energises me and gives me a reason to get up in the morning. Choosing a career that I am passionate about enables me to make a success of it. Veterinary is a career well suited to who I am, my personal interests and my capabilities. I have confidence in my decision because I know I will be good at it.

I chose a career that suited my personality. I know what my strengths and weaknesses are and my career allows me to use my strengths and improve my weaknesses. We are given dreams and a passion, it is a part of who we are. Following your dreams, with wisdom, ensures a successful career choice. Veterinary has always been my dream. However, fulfilling my dream requires goals and dedication. I have made decisions and set goals that have enabled me to make this career choice.

Financing is a factor that influenced my career choice. Although, I didn't let it dampen my desire to do what I am passionate about, I had to plan how I will pay for my studies as well as cover my basic needs. Many successful people in the world today did not let their financial position prevent them from following their dreams.

It is normal for a young person to be nervous regarding their career choice. Encouragement and guidance from family and friends can make it a lot easier. The support I have received from the people around me has made my decision easier to make.

I believe that it is irresponsible and unwise to make a career choice without thorough research regarding the type of work involved. I have done lots of research regarding a veterinary career and spoken to many different veterinarians. I have a good understanding of what to expect and what will be required of me.

I would love to have my own family one day. Therefore it is important for me to have a good understanding of the impact that my career will have on family life. Career lifestyle is also an important aspect that I took into consideration. I want to be comfortable and happy with my career lifestyle. I am content with a veterinary career lifestyle and believe that it is best suited to the type of person I am and the type of people I like being around.

I am an organised person and like being able to plan my day. However, repetition bores me. My career choice offers a routine lifestyle while remaining interesting. Like all fields of medicine, veterinary is constantly evolving. The diversity of patients, owners and treatments make it an interesting and unique career field to be a part of.

I am an extrovert and enjoy talking to new people. I want to bring out the best in every individual while staying true to myself and my beliefs. I enjoy serving people and chose a career that allows me to use my talents to serve other people. Since veterinary is a service, good people skills are required to become a successful and well regarded veterinarian. I can therefore use my skills and passion to make a success of my career.

I believe that it is important to be self-employable. My career choice enables me to own my own practice or work for someone else, offering me more flexibility. My career choice requires expert academic knowledge and a scientific outlook. However, it also requires application of knowledge and scientific methods in practical, everyday situations. I love being able to apply what I have learnt and achieve the desired result.

I am a perfectionist and strive to do my very best in all I do. I chose a career that will value this aspect about me. My career choice requires perfection, as a veterinarian cannot afford to make a mistake. Theatre work is very precise and requires a careful doctor. I cannot afford to give an animal the incorrect dosage of medicine as it may be lethal.

I come from a hard working family. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and work for what I want to achieve. Being a veterinarian is hard work, yet rewarding. I am competitive. I see a challenge as a daring obstacle to overcome and a way to improve myself. Veterinary is a very challenging profession. Patients cannot describe their problems and can be difficult to handle. I believe it is the most challenging career I could have chosen and that it will stretch me to my limit and propel me to excellence.

I love nature and the outdoors. I have grown up on a farm. I wanted a career that enabled me to enjoy the outdoors and not have to work in a cooped up office. Veterinarians are known for their love for animals. Growing up with animals has made them a large part of who I am. I want to help them and watching their recovery gives me such joy. God has gifted me with a passion for animals as well as the ability to work with them and identify their problems. I want to use my talents to make a difference.

I believe that one of the key components to successfully choosing a career is knowing who you are and what you are passionate about. Every person is unique and has their own dreams, interests and capabilities. I am excited about my career choice. I am passionate about it and am grateful that I could choose a career that embraces who I am and allows me to do what I am good at.