American-born Emily Daly turned a love of horses into a dream career in Veterinary Nursing.

Originally from Andover, a suburb just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, Emily arrived in New Zealand after completing high school. She spent a couple of years studying Marketing Management but partway through her degree realised that this was not where her passion lay.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that you must love what you do for a job. I have always had a passion for animals and once I began my study and went out on placement I knew I had found the right career path.

“I originally chose Otago Polytechnic because my sister has lived in Dunedin for over 10 years. I was really excited to be close to her but – also - I had heard great things about studying here.”

Emily is currently partway through her Veterinary Nursing Diploma and is really enjoying it: “The tutors are exceptional and the block courses are incredibly beneficial.”

“One of the benefits of the programme is that I can do it alongside working full-time. I currently work as a veterinary nurse at VetSouth Ltd in Gore. I also live on a sheep and beef farm, and on weekends I enjoy riding my horse and helping my partner with stock work.

“Over the last few years I have really grown and developed as a vet nurse thanks to this programme and my work. I believe I have a great future ahead with a fun and satisfying career path that allows me to increase my responsibilities and skillset.”