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 recruitment is essential for filling public health roles, and our professionals come from over 50 countries to help us safeguard animal welfare and public health.

Yagmur Turgut Birer and Ceylan Zahiri are our Country Ambassadors for Türkiye, working with nine EAEVE-accredited universities to promote our opportunities to students, through webinars, careers fairs and university visits.

Türkiye has a well-established veterinary education system, with a total of 32 universities offering veterinary medicine degrees. These typically offer five-year degree programmes, combining a comprehensive curriculum of theoretical and practical training. Unlike in the UK, where early specialisation is common, Turkish veterinary graduates receive a broad, generalist education, preparing them for diverse roles in companion animal care, livestock health, food safety, and public health. Practical experience is a key focus, with students required to complete internships and hands-on training in their final year.

We caught up with Ceylan and Yagmur to find out more about their Country Ambassador roles along with their plans for this year…

 

What do you love about your ambassador country?

Yagmur:

What I love most about Türkiye is the dedication, resilience and strong sense of community that define its people. These qualities are especially important in the field of Veterinary Medicine, where we demonstrate commitment to animal welfare, food hygiene and public health.

One of the other most remarkable cultural strengths of Türkiye is its hospitality. Turkish people are known for their warm and welcoming nature, which helps build strong relationships, both personally and professionally. This quality resonates strongly in academic and professional settings, as it encourages collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. I believe this cultural strength will be highly beneficial in my role as a Country Ambassador, particularly when engaging with students and faculty members.

Ceylan:

Türkiye holds a special place in my heart, not only because it is my home country but also because of its rich history, vibrant culture, and strong sense of community. The country has a deep-rooted tradition in veterinary medicine, with a strong emphasis on animal health and welfare. Turkish veterinarians are known for their dedication, expertise, and passion for their work. I am proud to represent Türkiye and showcase the incredible talent and potential of its veterinary professionals to the UK.

 

Which universities are you focusing on?

Our primary focus is on Türkiye’s EAEVE-accredited veterinary faculties, as they meet high European educational standards and produce graduates well-prepared for international veterinary careers. These institutions include:

Ankara University

Atatürk University (Erzurum)

Aydın Adnan Menderes University

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University

Bursa Uludağ University

Erciyes University (Kayseri)

Fırat University (Elazığ)

Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa

Selçuk University (Konya)

By focusing on these universities, we aim to connect talented veterinary graduates with opportunities in the UK, ensuring a smooth transition into professional roles that align with their expertise and training.

 

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

For the spring semester of 2025, we have scheduled webinars designed specifically for soon-to-be graduates and prospective candidates, providing them with valuable insights into career opportunities in the UK.

Additionally, we are in the process of organising in-person visits to three universities in Türkiye during the same period. These visits will allow us to engage directly with students, answer their questions, and offer guidance on the application process and professional transition to the UK veterinary sector.

 

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

We have successfully established communication with faculty representatives and student leaders from all nine EAEVE-accredited veterinary faculties in Türkiye.

During 2024, we organised four dedicated webinars for students from Bursa Uludağ University, Fırat University (Elazığ), Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, and Erciyes University (Kayseri). These sessions provided a fantastic platform to introduce our company’s work, connect with prospective veterinary graduates, and address their queries regarding career opportunities and professional development in the UK.

 

What impact do you hope to have through your role as a Country Ambassador?

Ceylan:

My aim is to connect skilled Turkish veterinarians with rewarding career opportunities in the UK, ensuring a seamless and well-supported transition. Through this role, I strive to:

  • Raise awareness and expand opportunities for Turkish veterinary professionals interested in working in the UK.
  • Facilitate a smooth transition by offering guidance on professional qualifications, language proficiency, and integration into the UK veterinary sector.
  • Build a strong professional network, fostering a welcoming and supportive community for Turkish veterinarians in the UK.
  • Enrich the UK veterinary workforce by bringing in highly trained professionals from Türkiye, contributing to both expertise and cultural diversity in the sector.

Yagmur:

Through my role as a Country Ambassador, I aim to bridge the gap between E&J and the next generation of Turkish veterinarians. My goal is to create a strong and lasting network with EAEVE-accredited veterinary faculties across Türkiye, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration and ensure the continuity for the upcoming years.

 

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