I Got Hired: Hannah

Posted on: 27 August 2025 by Richard Finch in Class of 2024

Hannah Seymour is a Veterinary Science graduate from our Class of 2024. She now works as a Graduate Veterinary Surgeon at South Lincs Vet Group (IVC).

How did you hear about your role?

I attended various vet events and careers fairs whilst I was at university. I applied for this role because it was an easy commute from home, and fulfilled all of my job criteria.

How did you get to where you are now?

Getting my first small animal vet job was easily over a decade in the making. From deciding early on this was the career I wanted, my GCSEs, A levels, extra-curricular, and work experience for at least 3 years before applying to university.

My whole family was incredible in supporting me with this. From my grandparents harassing their friends to allow me to gain work experience on their farms; my twin sister accompanying me on lambing placements; my mum, who drove me here, there, and everywhere. Our most outrageous journey was probably her driving me into the city she works in (still 20 minutes from her work), for me to get a bus to a small village, and then a taxi out to volunteer! And then she would do a large detour to pick me up in the evening.

Within the Army Cadet Force, I had many opportunities to learn and build transferable skills, which have been very useful. The various excursions they provided – ski trips, band camp, canoe cadets, D of E, Exercise Outback Cadet to Australia – all helped me build confidence, which was needed at the interview, and throughout the course.

Throughout the veterinary degree, I completed 33 weeks of EMS training (mandatory, voluntary work experience in our holidays on top of a very heavy, full-time 9-5 lecture/practical course). Although I didn't complete this at the practice I now work for, I took this opportunity to try as many different roles as possible to see what I liked best. From abattoirs to government and lab roles, equine, farm, smallies first opinion practice, large hospitals, education, research, and abroad placements, I learnt a lot about the industry and myself.

I knew by the time I was applying for jobs that I wanted a small animal 4-day week (compressed hours) with a large team that had some hospital capacity, and a large car park! Which is exactly where I’m working – we see a lot of first opinion cases, but also have hospital vets, many of whom are certificate holders. This gives me a greater opportunity to see cases through and develop my knowledge. I had several job offers, and it was incredibly difficult choosing between them. However, I decided I wanted a bit more of a commute so I have time to decompress from a hard day, I also enjoy a split between smaller branch practices and the busier hospital setting.

Your favourite experience as part of your current role?

The first time a client requested to see me. I have this date saved in my phone, so I’ll get a yearly reminder. It was about 4 months into working, I’d just started seeing more complex cases, and instead of getting a recheck with a more experienced colleague, the owners requested to see me again. This showed me that I was building rapport with clients, and I was a proper vet!! The patient improved, and it was great news all around. Even when I might be a bit flustered, it is important to me that my clients trust me and have faith that I will do the best I can. Similarly, the first time I received a good online review and flowers from a client, I was overwhelmed. That case had a less happy ending, but it was rewarding to feel appreciated by the owners, that we had done the best thing for their dog.

The most challenging part of your graduate journey?

Trusting myself. I have a lot of knowledge from my degree, and I passed all the exams and practical’s. I know where to find information - my university notes, online resources, my colleagues, and my friends.

A pro and a con for this industry is that there are multiple ways to treat an animal depending on temperament, financial situation, other conditions, or factors; however, when starting out, I found it really difficult to say, we’re doing this. The what-ifs and imposter syndrome were sky high, and I was worried that my colleagues would judge me because they’d treat it differently. I had my justifications, and time has taught me that even between my most senior colleagues, there are often debates about the next step or best treatment option for the desired outcome.

What's your #1 piece of advice for future grads?

Know what you want and advocate for it. My ideal job is some of my friends’ worst nightmares. That’s completely fine. I wouldn’t thrive in their jobs either. Every job is different, and people excel in different areas. Stop comparing yourself to other people, learn what you find important, and go from there. And if it’s not what you thought or you don’t enjoy it as much as you thought you would, there are other options available. Don’t stay trapped.

Side note – get a dog. It works miracles for your mental health and enforces a better work-life balance. It can be difficult, but I 1000% recommend.

Graduate+

Graduate+ is just for University of Liverpool finalists and graduates. It's a new way to stay connected, get career support, build the right skills and experiences, and hear about exclusive career opportunities in Liverpool, the UK, and beyond. Let us help you get the job that you deserve! 

Click here to find out more.

Graduate Outcomes Survey

The Graduate Outcomes survey exists to improve the experience of future students. All graduates are asked to share their perspectives 15 months after they finish their course, to build a national picture that UK universities and colleges use to innovate their services. League tables, Prospects and The Complete University Guide use our Graduate Outcomes data to help students make decisions about their future.