Our Country Ambassadors work with international universities to inspire graduates to come join us in the UK and start a rewarding career in veterinary public health. In the veterinary industry, global talent is crucial, and our professionals come from over 50 countries to help us safeguard animal welfare and ensure food is safe to eat.

Juan Avila is our Country Ambassador for Spain, as well as being our longest serving E&J colleague, working with us to safeguard animal welfare and public health for over 30 years. For 25 years, he was the co-Managing Director, leading the daily operations of E&J veterinary services across the UK, including the recruitment and training of new Official Veterinarians. He now works on export certification and GEFS visits in the north of England, as well as supporting vets developing their NOV program and conducting technical interviews for candidates wanting to work for E&J.

We caught up with Juan to find out more about his Country Ambassador role…

What do you love about being a Country Ambassador? 

I love representing E&J, a company with a longstanding reputation in Spain. Interacting with students and graduates is one of my favourite parts of being a Country Ambassador, as I can talk to them about my thirty years with E&J and share more information about our veterinary career opportunities.

Which universities are you focussing on? 

In Spain, almost all of the veterinary schools are EAEVE approved, meaning graduates can come and join us for roles in the UK. These include Murcia, Las Palmas, Caceres, Madrid, Valencia, Leon, Zaragoza, Lugo and Barcelona, alongside Cordoba University, where I studied for my degree.

What activities do you have planned in as part of your Country Ambassador role? 

I plan attend all careers fairs organised by veterinary schools, as well as participating in veterinary public health conferences.

What have you done so far as part of this role? 

Last year, I attended careers fairs in Madrid, Cordoba and Valencia, where I talked to students about the amazing opportunities we offer at E&J. I presented to final year veterinary students as part of the veterinary public health module at Las Palmas and Murcia University. I also participated in veterinary public health conferences, including those at Murcia, Ayamonte and Las Palmas, as well as attending several events relating to veterinary public health.

As well as this, I’ve placed advertisements at all the veterinary schools in Spain, as well as promoting our careers in relevant veterinary magazines. I am also the vice-president of the Spanish Veterinary Public Health Association, which allows me to represent E&J at industry events in Spain.

What impact have you had as a Country Ambassador? 

Since I began my role, we have managed to attract more Spanish graduates to start their veterinary career at E&J, as well as continuing to develop our positive reputation in Spain. With Spain producing the highest number of graduates in Europe, it is crucial to continue our relationships with Spanish universities and engage with future veterinary professionals.

To find out more about our careers, head to our Join the Team page.