Hi everyone :) I'm new, Australian and applying to Murdoch ...

[Ausrural]

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Hi everyone,

Just thought I would say hello and share my story.

I'm from Australia, currently in Perth, WA and have been here for about 4 months. I'm from the eastern states originally.

I'm currently working as an animal technician for a university research station, working with native animals, sheep and a variety of birds. Prior to this job I have been heavily involved with production animals - beef cattle, sheep and goats mainly. I've been managing and working on mixed livestock properties, and ran my own registered sheep and goat herd for the last six years (which I had to disperse when I moved across the country 🙁 ). I also did a six month stint managing a mobile petting farm, which was ridiculously fun. Loved it 🙂 My little pet thing at the moment is working with Riding for the Disabled. Tis amazing really, until you've seen it you can't fully appreciate the impact a horse can have on a disabled child.

I did my BSc and vet sci has always been in the back of my mind but the timing was never right for me ... and lately I've been realising more and more that I just want that extra step. Hence the decision to commit to going back to uni for a further six years.

So I'm applying to Murdoch for next year ... currently bumbling my way through the admissions process. I've been composing my personal statement in my head all week at work LOL

Murdoch had their open day last weekend and I went along ... I'd seen a lot of it before because my friend is doing animal science there currently, but it really reminded me how amazing their facilities and resources are. And for those who are into beef cattle, their steers and registered gelbvieh are pretty damn good. I'm impressed with the team they are taking to the royal show this year. Oh yeah I should mention I show livestock, in a big way 😀

As my username indicates I'm hoping to go into mixed rural practice, as my interests lie pretty heavily with production ruminants - but I'm getting more and more interested in native wildlife and captive management, as a result of my exposure to them through my current job.

As far as pets go, I have a moustache parrot, and my housemates have a kelpie pup, two persian cross cats, and a rat. We live in a bit of a zoo.

And thats me in a nutshell. Well not really a nutshell, sorry I wrote so much 😳 yep that 500 word ps is gonna be a huge challenge for me.

Are there many Aussies on these boards? And many US students applying to Australian schools? It would be kinda cool to know someone from these forums, and end up at the same school as them in 2011.

Cheers for now - looking forward to getting to know you all

 

[Nexx]

Good luck on your application 🙂

I'm in 4th year and am not too fond of the LA scene (I just have a SA bias) 😛

There's a few of us from Murdoch on here, but I think only one actual 'aussie' (sunshinevet)

 

[Drbooge2be]

Hi, Ausrural!

Good luck on your app process. I applied to Murdoch in March and got my acceptance in May. I start Feb 2011 for the BVMS program. I am from the US (specifically Louisiana). I'm very excited about living in Aussie for a few years! My husband will be with me so the lifestyle change shouldn't be seriously dramatic. Let me know ( or Nexx) if you have any questions/concerns about admission stuff. Cheers!

DrBooge2be

 

[jazzmaple]

Hi! I will also be applying to Murdoch for Feb. 2011. In fact, I am absolutely consumed by it! I am applying from the US. One minute I am confident, the next I am full of doubt and worries. I just keep thinking I don't know what would be worse... not getting accepted to Murdoch or getting accepted and not having the means/funds to make it there by Feb.

Good luck! Sorry for my negativity. I hope you will get to meet my confident side.

 

[Ausrural]

Hi jazz, I can definitely understand your concerns, I too am wondering how I will go financially next year, after working full time in a well paying job, to go back to a student budget will be a bit different/difficult. Rent and living expenses in perth are ridiculous. Hopefully I can continue part time in my current job. Good luck with your application, hopefully I can meet you next year =)

 

[Ausrural]

DrB and Nexx ... My biggest concern atm is my lack of experience in an actual vet clinic. I have bucketloads of experience handling and caring etc for animals and its very broad. In all my previous and current positions I have worked closely with vets to manage herd health as well as individual diagnosis and treatment and through that I believe I have a good idea of what the profession is all about, without forming unrealistic expectations. But I haven't done work experience in an actual vet clinic, at least not since way back in high school. The difficulty I have been encountering is that the vet clinics will only take high school or uni students for work experience, as the schools offer insurance. Any ideas how to get around this, and what are my chances of being accepted without any actual vet clinic experience?

 

[Nexx]

Hey Ausrural,

I don't know that I would worry too much about not having recent clinic experience. At least in my year there are plenty of people who have apparently never touched a small animal in their life! Personally I am on the other end of the spectrum and all my experience with large animal work has come from Murdoch.

If you are really interested in getting some small animal clinical experience it may just be a matter of calling around to find a clinic willing to take you. If you have pets currently I might try asking your personal vet as a start. Also you could look to try volunteering with some of the rescue groups (RSPCA, Safe, Cat Haven, etc) around perth. I don't know what experience they would give but again, it would be a start.