Grounded Practice
The challenge
Final-year vet students have the clinical skills sorted. What they need, and what they're asking for, is support with the people side of practice. How to work well with clients and teams. How to handle pressure. How to look after themselves in a profession where burnout is real.
Massey University’s vet faculty wanted to help final-year students strengthen those inner foundations — before they entered the profession.
What we did
In July 2025, we spent a day with 25 final-year vet students from Massey University. We focused on the what doesn't always get taught: self-awareness, staying grounded under pressure, communication, strengthening team connection and building wellbeing into daily life and work.
Through honest conversation and hands-on practice, students had time to reflect, connect, and build the inner and collaborative skills — for animal care, working with people and finding their feet in this work.
What changed
52% rated the day as excellent or very good. 48% rated it as good.
87% said it met or exceeded what they'd hoped for. 78% said they left clearer about themselves.
65% felt connected to others and equipped with tools they could actually use.
When we asked what stuck, they said things like:
Understanding what matters to them and where their strengths lie
Practical ways to handle pressure and reset
Spotting their own warning signs before things spiral
The relief of realising: "We're all in this together"
What students took away
“It reminded me why I chose this career in the first place.”
”Just how needed it was. We are always go go go in this year. I didn’t realise how much of my walls of my house I have been neglecting.”
”Everyone struggles and has their own strengths and weaknesses. Collaboration is key for longevity and survival.”
”Knowing others are feeling the same & I’m not alone.”
”You guys are great. I really needed today.”
“Many students had unspoken doubts about what was on offer but as expected, left the day significantly enlightened about themselves. You took them on a journey of self discovery. Science “bods” don’t often give any thought to self reflection as they live in a world of established evidence.
They will be better for this. ”