The internship component of your veterinary school education allows you to take what you've learned in the classroom and apply it in a clinic environment. This is an opportunity to develop your skills as you work toward full-time employment following the completion of your degree. Even though you've learned a lot in your program, being in a real-world environment for the first time can sometimes be daunting—you may notice that the confidence you had at the start of the first day has begun to wane. Here are some ways to successfully boost your confidence throughout a veterinary internship.

Remember What You Do Well

It might take you a little time to get comfortable in this new environment, and it's understandable if you feel a little shaky about your abilities in the meantime. In an effort to bolster your confidence, try to focus on what you do well. There may be areas in which you're struggling, but there are almost certainly things at which you excel. This list might include basic tasks such as administering vaccinations or even talking in a caring and compassionate manner to pet owners who are upset, but focusing on these successes can help you to build more confidence.

Remember That You're Learning

When you begin your veterinary internship, the veterinarian with whom you're working expects you have a considerable set of skills. They don't, however, expect that you'll be as polished as someone who has years of experience working in this field. It's important to remember that this is an educational experience for you. Your goal is to learn during your internship, not make it seem as though you're as knowledgeable as those who have been working in the industry for a long time. When you remember this, you may feel more confident in your ability to finish the internship.

Remember to Ask Questions

One thing that can zap your confidence during a veterinary internship is being unsure about how you should proceed with a certain task. This can especially be the case if you believe that you should know how to perform the task. Instead of struggling, and subsequently doubting yourself even more if you get something wrong, just ask someone around you for help. Asking questions helps to reiterate to yourself that you aren't under any pressure to know everything, and this can help you to feel more confident in your capabilities in this field in the weeks and months ahead.