Personal Development Plan

Animals have always been more than just a hobby for me; this has led me to gain as much involvement available to me with animals, leading me to eventually focusing the majority of my studies around animals. Ultimately these studies have helped me to advance onto studying Veterinary Physiotherapy.

My goal is to complete this degree and set up my own business that will become a reputable, ethical and a strongly recognised business. Consequently by building up my personal development plan now it will help to set myself with clear goals and objectives that will contribute to me reaching my ambition.

Current qualifications and experience

In 2016 I gained triple distinction in a Level 3 extended diploma in Animal Management, which in September helped me to gain a place on an Integrated Masters course in Veterinary Physiotherapy at Writtle University College. The diploma in Animal Management allowed me to expand on my already gained experience with a wider assortment of animals from livestock to companion animals.

A large proportion of my experience comes from surrounding myself with dogs with every given opportunity. Working in various kennels also helped to broaden my experience; one kennels even included therapy alternatives that assisted with my decision on my university course. I also have some equine experience gained by loaning my own horse, but I feel I am still very limited in this area.

Main objectives

Become a veterinary physiotherapist and qualify from University with a 2:1 (achievable within 4 years)
Become a lecturer in veterinary physiotherapist alongside my own business (achievable once gaining experience in industry but further qualifications may be required)
Set up a successful reputable business (achievable within 3-5 years after starting the business)
Become a respectable well thought after veterinary physiotherapist (alongside the successful business)
Gain a large group of network contacts (starting from now and building up throughout my degree)
Referred to from a highly reputable veterinarian to clients

Academic and Personal Skills

Communication skills

This skill has be gained and developed from working in jobs that involve strong customer communication skills moreover I have learnt to deal with customers in more complex situations and learnt how to effectively deal with things such as complaints. As well as this I have expanded on my communication skills by carrying out numerous presentations as part of my college course. This ability is highly transferrable in the veterinary physiotherapy sector as it involves a vast amount of communication with customers and working alongside professionals, difficult situations may also occur and will have to be dealt with in the correct manor.

Time management

This skill is important for when I am a veterinary physiotherapist as it is vital to manage my time efficiently with clients ensuring that I arrive promptly to clients and do not overrun. Developing this skill has occurred through working and also when attending lectures throughout college and university.

Strong work ethic

Throughout any job I have acquired I have always been praised on my strong work ethic as well as effort that I put in. I recognise I also give 100% in any given task at work and see myself as a perfectionist. This shall benefit me immensely when managing my own business, as it’ll allow me to get the best out of my own business and help it to grow.

Organised

Keeping diaries and writing lists have also been something I’ve strongly stuck by, reflecting on this now it’s a habit that has allowed me to be very organised and helped me to ensure I meet deadlines. Being organised and prepared is a skill that I will use extensively within my business, such as when carrying out my accounting work or booking in clients, all these things require me to be organised.

Future courses

There are many different courses I wish to attend in order to expand on my knowledge and experience further. One in which I wish to attend is the Canine Body Worker (CCBW) course. I also feel carrying out equine-based short courses will be of benefit building my confidence around horses. Nonetheless it will be important that I understand the expense of these courses and that I will not be able to do many as I first start off my business as finances may be low therefore I aim to do at least one course a year. These courses will require yearly continual professional development that I will need to attend in order to remain qualified, which can be fairly time consuming so this is also an essential factor to consider.

Seminars are also an important part of maintaining my commercial awareness and also developing my knowledge. Consequently I shall attend this yearly.

High priority objectives