background reading for interviews

[researchvet]

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Hey everyone-

I was wondering, what sites/journals/magazines have you found useful to prepare for your interviews? I know that interviewers will often ask about hot topics in veterinary medicine and if you're someone who isn't exposed to that particular field, how do you learn about it in an efficient manor? What's a good site to learn about common zoonotic diseases? How about trends in large animal medicine?

 

[wivet2011]

Actually, I wouldn't worry too much about that. For the most part the questions are really general (you should be able to find possible interview questions somewhere on the net) or about something that you've had experience with (research, etc). For example, I did a lot of work with a large animal vet last summer, including assisting with DA's, so at one of my interviews, I was asked about this. If you have no experience here, you aren't likely to be asked! Just be aware that if you mention something like H5N1 in an answer to an open question (like what are you interested in), you'd better know something about it because they are likely to ask further questions!

 

[ri23]

Some schools do ask some pretty specific questions. There are a few threads on here that you can search for and the interview feedback section that should help you.

 

[david594]

Can anyone recommend some good reading anyways? If nothing else for curiositys sake?

 

[pressmom]

If someone hasn't already mentioned it, look at local (especially) and national news concerns that affect veterinary medicine. If you're large animal, read someone like Tempel Grandin and discuss her theories. If you're small animal, read a book in an area that interests you and talk about what you read. Also, you could interview or email with someone you respect in the field you're looking at and get an idea of what they do everyday.

 

[jfitzpatri8]

Interview questions can get very detailed. I was asked (grilled) about the Horses for Slaughter Act that was just being introduced in the congress. Twenty minutes on that one subject during an hour long interview. I had no clue about the thing- and I am a news junkie (yes, still- even in vet school).

Big right now:
microchips cause cancer?
RFID in cattle- new requirement for tracking cattle from dam to dinner
FMD in Europe
dog fighting (+/- football players)
tainted food/ feed
rabies in the US
H5N1 influenza

perennial faves:
slaughterhouse treatment (Temple Grandin's books/ articles are a great resource)
companion animals- guardianship vs. ownership
food safety
changes in agricultural practices- keeping up with the times
vaccinations- required/ recommended/ luxury
evacuation from disasters

Hope this gives you a few ideas- you may even steal one as the question you ask of them at the end of the interview. (I asked about what "Big 10" meant- to an ex-football player and the timer for all of the Home Basketball games. They were so excited to share all about the benefits of a big 10 school. I think that is why they liked me!)

Good luck- you know, you need an interview before you need to worry about answering interview questions!

Jenn

 

[jfitzpatri8]

I forgot a big one! Sow housing!