James Brown, 27

Sydney Morning Herald

Wednesday January 2, 2008

Anne Fawcett

Bachelor of VETERINARY SCIENCE

University OF SYDNEY

When James Brown didn't score the marks to get into veterinary science straight out of high school, he thought he'd missed the boat altogether. He enrolled in a bachelor of science in biodiversity and conservation at Macquarie University, hoping to work with wildlife.

"I realised once I finished the science degree that those kinds of jobs are thin on the ground," he says. He took on the role of fire project officer with Hornsby Shire Council, assessing fire-prone land surrounding homes in the area. But he hadn't given up on a veterinary career.

"I put in an application and sat the STAT test but just missed out on a Commonwealth-supported place."

He asked the university how he might improve his chances next time. "I did well in the STAT test but didn't do well in demonstrating commitment to veterinary science, so I was advised to volunteer at a veterinary clinic."

Easier said than done. Most clinics refused to take Brown because, unlike a high school work experience student or a veterinary student, he had no public-liability insurance. Unfazed, he worked with an insurance broker to develop a policy for prospective veterinary students undertaking work experience.

"On top of the volunteer work they thought that demonstrated real commitment," he says.

The next year he was offered a supported place. (The University of Sydney also offers 25 places for local, full-fee paying students).

Brown, a fourth-year student and president of the Sydney University Veterinary Society, hopes to work with birds and exotic pets when he graduates.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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