Counseling veterinary students who aspire to careers in science.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
Douglas D McGregor
Publications and source records attributed to Douglas D McGregor.
Promoting science-based careers through student-directed learning.
Student-directed learning has been featured in a program aimed at promoting the entry of veterinary students into science-based careers. Pursuant to that objective, students participated in workshops and role-playing exercises calculated to enhance self-confidence and the development of leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Insights into research careers and the optimal sequencing of graduate training were also gained through self-study and simulated interviews for research or service positions in industry. The modules were well received by students, who found them enjoyable and relevant to their career aspirations.
Career Choice↗
The Cornell Leadership Program for Veterinary Students.
Cornell University hosts a summer program for veterinary students who aspire to research careers. The program features independent, faculty-guided research; vocational counseling; and professional enrichment activities that seek to build teamwork skills and to foster critical thinking and effective communication. A total of 255 students from 49 veterinary colleges worldwide have taken part in the program since 1990. Among those who have completed their veterinary education, approximately half have followed career trajectories of the kind envisioned by the program. While this outcome is gratifying, it was also learned that some program graduates subsequently withdrew from a research-oriented academic track after many years of graduate study. That disquieting outcome underscores the need to inform aspiring veterinary scientists about the realities of a research career; to structure their graduate studies in a manner that will maximize their prospects of success; to provide them with ongoing guidance and assistance; and to reward them at a level that will ensure that they remain in training for a period sufficient to realize their career expectations.
Animals↗
An exercise in leadership training for veterinary students aiming for careers in biomedical research.
A group discussion on the theme of "leadership" has been a central event in the annual Cornell Leadership Program for Veterinary Students since 1990. However, these discussions were often unfocused and did not readily demonstrate the leadership skills of distinguished guests who were invited to participate. Since 1998, a new format for this session has been developed in which students and guests are assigned individual roles in a scenario that is unfolded by a moderator over two to three hours. This role-playing exercise ensures that every student is obliged to participate and has an opportunity to practice such leadership skills as critical thinking, verbal communication, and decision making under pressure and with inadequate information. The distinguished guests, in their assigned roles, are able to interact freely with the student fellows and thus demonstrate their expertise as experienced leaders. This challenging experience has become an enjoyable part of the 10-week Leadership Program and one that shows the importance of leadership skills for those who aspire to careers in the biomedical sciences.
Animals↗