In this Scholar-Athlete Spotlight, we are featuring Gillian Craig of Florida Tech women's lacrosse. This summer, the Merritt Island, Florida native gained meaningful experience at an internship in her desired field. We caught up with Craig to learn more about the incredible opportunity.

What company are you interning for this summer? What is your title and role with the company?
This summer I interned with Old Stone Veterinary Clinic in Clough, Northern Ireland as a Veterinary Assistant
 
What drew you to this internship? What steps did you have to take to earn your position within the company?
I was initially drawn to this internship because I had the opportunity to work with not only small animals but large animals as well. This helps with my experience and understanding of each type of animal and what is required to care for them. I had visited Northern Ireland briefly to see some of my relatives and I had spoken with them about my interests in veterinary medicine. They suggested a highly recommended veterinarian in the area who potentially had opportunities for interning over the summer. I decided to follow through with it and after exchanging resumes and information, I was able to land the position with the clinic.
 
What are some exciting tasks or projects that you have been able to be a part of?
Some interesting activities I have been able to be a part of are horse dentals, tuberculosis testing in cows, ultrasound goats, scanning mares, exploratory surgeries in dogs, and lots of post-surgical rehabilitation. 
 
What is your major at Florida Tech? Why did you choose this direction for your education and is this something you always wanted to pursue?
My major at Florida Tech is biomedical science. I chose this direction for my education because it pairs nicely with my plans to apply for veterinary school. The courses required for my major, help create a strong foundation in preparation for vet school. I have always wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine because as a child I always loved animals. As I got older I continued to develop my love and appreciation for those who work in veterinary medicine as well as the patients that come into the clinic! 
 
How has being a scholar-athlete prepared you for the work you are currently doing in your internship? What skills have you taken from your time as a scholar-athlete that help you in your internship?
Being a scholar athlete has helped me with time management and scheduling. It's helped me with compartmentalizing, as many times you'll have more than one patient you are working with at a time which requires the ability to focus on the task at hand and then move on to the next once you are finished. Teamwork and communication are two essential skills that are emphasized in vet med. You are constantly communicating with technicians and doctors about the state of patients and scheduling, as well as monitoring during surgeries or performing simple procedures like taking a blood sample. 
 
What skills have you acquired at your internship that will help you on the field at Florida Tech?
At my internship, some skills that I have learned that will help me in the field are patience and critical thinking.
 
How is your internship preparing you for a career you would like to do after graduation?
My internship has helped prepare me for my career by learning/performing different skills in a clinical setting that will allow me to have a good understanding of concepts and techniques that will be used in the future.
 
What advice would you give another scholar-athlete/prospective scholar-athlete who is looking to pursue a similar path?
Some advice I would give to another scholar-athlete is to get lots of time in clinics and work with different animals. Vet med has a wide range of opportunities. Be proactive in your work in preparation for what's to come. The more you know the better. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and make connections with those around you. It's important to have people who will help you learn and support you.