Veterinary Student Internship Program

What is the Veterinary Student Internship Program?

The Veterinary Student Internship Program (VSIP) is a specialized training program offered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to students enrolled in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree program at a Canadian veterinary college.

The VSIP will:

• expose you to new and challenging assignments,
• provide you with skills and experiences that will broaden your veterinary training, and
• prepare you for a successful career in the fields of animal and public health

Who is eligible?

It is recommended you apply to the VSIP program during your first or second year of veterinary studies (second or third year for students at FMV in Quebec). You will then begin your VSIP program following the successful completion of that school year. You may be enrolled in the program for up to three years of your veterinary education.

How does the program work?

You will undertake your internship in a specific program area of the CFIA under the supervision of a sponsoring manager.

The basic program components include the following:

• Intern Development Plan

At the beginning of the program you and your sponsoring manager will establish an Intern Develop Plan that will be the basis for your activities throughout the internship.

• Financial relief

Each year you are enrolled in the program you will be reimbursed 75-80% of your annual tuition and eligible education costs (books) as long as you meet certain basic criteria (note: Canadian tuition fees only)

• Paid work experience

You will be provided a minimum of 12 weeks of paid work experience for each year you are enrolled in the program.

• Annual assignment

Each year you will be asked to complete an assignment during the academic year to keep you engaged in the program while you are back in school.

• Ambassadorial activities

You will have the opportunity to act as a program ambassador through participating in awareness activities, providing information and support to potential applicants and acting as a mentor to new students entering the program.

• Employment with the CFIA upon graduation

You will, upon graduating, be considered for a position with the CFIA, if a suitable position is available. Your employment commitment will range from 12-27 months depending on the total amount of tuition reimbursement you receive throughout the program.

What are the benefits?

• Financial support
  • competitive salary provided for your work at the CFIA
  • tuition relief (75 to 80 percent)
• Annual employment with these advantages
  • a work environment that is dynamic and flexible
  • responsibilities that are progressively more demanding
  • learning and development opportunities that go beyond the ordinary student placement (such as job shadowing and exposure to a variety of Agency work sites)
  • opportunities to develop skills and experiences beyond the core DVM training that are applicable to a range of future careers in the fields of veterinary medicine, ecosystem health and public health
  • opportunities to broaden your horizons and make important contacts for your future
  • ability to gain a greater understanding of national and international issues that affect animal and public health, food safety and societal values in Canada
  • possible employment with the CFIA upon graduation

How do I apply to the Veterinary Student Internship Program?

Deadline for application: The deadline for submission for entry to the VSIP program beginning in May 2012 is November 14, 2011.

A complete application will include all of the following:

1. A current resumé
2. A cover letter that includes the following as a minimum:
   • your preferred work location(s)
   • your mobility
   • the subject within the mandate of the CFIA of most interest to you
   • an explanation as to why you are interested in the VSIP program and how it may impact your veterinary career
3. An essay of between 1000 and 1500 words elaborating on the following statement: “Food Security is one of the greatest global challenges.” In particular, be sure to include your comments and vision of the opportunities and responsibilities of the veterinarian.
4. A short essay of 500-600 words describing an initiative, experience, project or accomplishment where you played a lead role and of which you are particularly proud. Why are you proud of this achievement?
5. Two Letters of Reference that include comments on contributions you have made to your school or community, your leadership style and your approach to teamwork. At least one of those references should be from a current or previous professor with whom you have worked closely.
6. Official academic transcripts for university studies

Please note that only complete applications can be considered. In addition to the submitted materials, a telephone or in-person interview may be conducted as part of the screening of applications or during final selections.

When completing your application, please keep in mind that selections will be based on the clear demonstration of meeting certain Abilities and Personal Suitability criteria such as: interest to learn; enthusiastic approach; broad range of interests; commitment; vision; leadership; ability to work as part of a team; written and/or oral communication skills.

Please forward any scanned documents to the attention of Marlene Longtin, Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer at ocvo@inspection.gc.ca . Identify Subject as Veterinary Student Internship Program. Originals must be couriered or mailed with postmark by November 14, 2011 to the attention of Marlene at:

Floor 6, Room 147
1400 MERIVALE ROAD, TOWER 1
OTTAWA ON K1A 0Y9

Any questions may also be directed to Marlene at the above email address or at 613-773-5236.