My Story:

When young Ukrainian vet Anna Matviiko graduated from university, she found herself with a conundrum - how to grow her skills and enhance her career prospects while still earning. That’s when she discovered the Purina Young Veterinarians programme.

After gaining hands-on experience at a veterinary clinic during her third year at Lviv National University, Anna (INSERT AGE) decided she wanted to develop her skills further and move beyond practice while remaining in the veterinary field.

“That’s when I came across a job opening at Nestlé, which was launching a graduate program for veterinarians,” she said. She applied for, and was accepted into, the Purina Young Veterinarians programme.

Perfect accompaniment for university

Designed for vets looking to develop in-demand skills, the new programme offers the opportunity for young vets to learn from experts in the field about the principles of pet nutrition, employability and entrepreneurship - areas that aren’t included in standard university curriculum but are vital for career development.

“The program was a milestone in my growth: I learned the fundamentals of canine and feline nutrition, actively collaborated with veterinary clinics, analysed the Western region's market, participated in professional conferences, and for the first time stood in front of large audiences as a speaker. It was a year that shaped me as an expert, communicator, and mentor.”

Into the workforce

After successfully completing the programme, Anna went on to join the Purina PRO PLAN® team as a veterinary advisor. Since accepting the role, Anna can say with confidence it is not just a job, but a second family.

“My role is not only about consulting veterinarians and developing the market - it’s also about continuous learning and professional growth.”

“This is an environment where you don’t just complete tasks - you influence the future of the industry, grow every day, and become a better version of yourself.”