My Story:
Midway through her university studies, young veterinarian Hande Akkaya, 27, found herself facing an unexpected change of plans which led her to discovering Purina after completing a local development scheme. “Sometimes, when one door closes, another opens,” Hande said.
When circumstances arose that meant Hande lost out on an internship in Vienna, instead of focusing on what was lost, she searched for a similar opportunity closer to home. Now, Hande reflects on how Purina turned out to be the better choice for her career. “Getting into the team changed everything. It was the most valuable and eye-opening step in my journey. It gave me clarity, confidence and showed me what is really possible in this profession,” she said.
Speaking about what the experience offered her in terms of her professional career, Hande said: “We attended youth camps where we met inspiring speakers and allowed us to connect to likeminded passionate vet students. All of us were thinking bigger and dreaming bigger - it was so much more engaging and inspiring than I expected. We explored pet nutrition and other fields from whole new angles which were practical, purposeful and connected to real life impacts. I remember thinking this is where I want to be. This is the kind of environment where people grow.”
“What stood out the most was the energy - everyone there was so passionate, and it felt like we were part of something bigger. I left feeling more motivated, more confident, and with a much clearer idea of where I could see myself in the future,” Hande said.
When speaking about how it helped her excel in her career, Hande said: “I had the chance to meet leading professionals, build meaningful connections, and even interview a well-respected vet in Turkey - which was such a unique experience at that stage in my career. It opened doors, and the confidence I gained from those early experiences has stayed with me ever since.”
Hande was still able to make her initial dream a reality. She said: “A year later, I was still able to go to Vienna, just through a different door. Today I get to do work I love with purpose. It helped shape the direction of my career and gave me the support I didn’t even know I needed at the time.” Hande is now a Veterinary Advisor with Nestlé Purina PetCare Turkey and has been part of the team for almost two years.
Very similar to the local programme Hande completed, Purina Young Veterinarians aims to equip newly qualified vets with a toolkit of in-demand skills, focusing on pet nutrition, employability and entrepreneurship.
In addition to the in-person events, ideal for networking, the programme also offers the benefits of online learning, which for vet students particularly is invaluable. Speaking of the benefits, Hande said: “I think it’s incredibly helpful. As vet students, our schedules can be really demanding, so having a space that’s always accessible makes a big difference. You can explore topics at your own pace, revisit what you need, and discover areas that aren’t always covered in school.
“For me, that kind of flexibility and real-world relevance is exactly what young vets need. It helps us feel more prepared and confident as we take our first steps into the profession.”
Thinking back to how Purina helped kickstart her career, Hande would recommend the Purina Young Veterinarians programme to all young vets. “If you are a vet student looking for direction, growth and something real, start with Purina Young Veterinarians Programme, maybe it can open a door to your future too,” she said.