| Abstract: | It is desirable that students entering a professional course acquire both the personal attributes and the other key attributes needed for success in that particular profession. For veterinary science, these include skills in: communication; working with other people; handling animals; solving problems; self‐confidence; enthusiasm; motivation; the ability to work hard; and to be able to cope with stress. When students starting the veterinary course were surveyed, some were not confident that they had developed the key attributes including self‐confidence; interpersonal skills; and the ability to cope with stress. Given the importance of these attributes, this could help explain the distress felt by some recent veterinary graduates when faced with the realities of professional work. This analysis may be relevant to other careers, especially if the main attractant — in this case positive attitudes towards animals — is not sufficient to ensure contentment in the career. |
