Abstract
Questionnaires were completed by 258 employers of recent veterinary graduates throughout Australia, a response rate of 82%. These employers reported that new graduates needed most help with interpersonal interactions, especially communication with clients and other staff, particularly nurses, and that these problems were most evident in tense and emotion-laden situations. Other areas in which graduates were seen to need most help, which were mentioned by up to 17% of employers, included: logical thinking and problem-solving generally; dealing with common conditions and procedures including surgery; with financial and business aspects of veterinary practice, and their own self-confidence and time management. Almost all employers supported the view that the employer should provide constructive feedback, appropriate instruction and personal support for (at least) the first six months, and their comments indicated that most felt that they did provide this support.