Veera Koponen’s job shadowing visit to Milan: Enhancing Post-Graduate Teaching

In March 17 - 21, 2025, Veera Koponen, a recent graduate of the Estonian University of Life Sciences and current intern at EMÜ’s Equine Clinic, took a significant step in her professional journey by participating in a job shadowing visit to Milan focused on postgraduate teaching and veterinary research.

The week-long programme offered a deep dive into the coordination of postgraduate research programmes, academic and research support activities, ethics and compliance processes, and research event organization. Veera also gained valuable exposure to a cutting-edge veterinary research environment, including hands-on experience at an equine clinic and the Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering.

Key learning outcomes

• Postgraduate research coordination & support: Gained insights into the coordination of postgraduate research programs, focusing on managing academic initiatives, research activities, and supporting the overall research infrastructure.

• Research programme management & event organization: Developed skills in managing and supporting research programs, including assisting in organizing research events, and participating in research ethics and compliance processes.

• Academic communication & professional growth: Enhanced academic and professional communication by interacting with international researchers and professors, contributing to her professional development and the broader academic community.

• Veterinary science & research application: Observed advanced veterinary procedures in an equine clinic and biomedical laboratory, gaining valuable knowledge that will be applied to clinical practice and teaching in Estonia.

Key highlights and knowledge transfer

One of the most rewarding aspects of the visit was job shadowing at the equine clinic, where Veera observed advanced equine procedures and treatments. This exposure has enriched her clinical expertise and provided practical insights that she is already integrating into patient care and veterinary student education in Estonia.

The visit also allowed her to engage with international researchers and academic professionals, opening doors for future collaboration and knowledge exchange. With a broader understanding of research support activities and postgraduate teaching structures, Veera is now even more equipped to pursue her ambition of becoming a specialist in equine internal medicine.

Her journey from Estonia to Milan exemplifies the power of international collaboration in veterinary education—and her growing expertise is set to make a lasting impact on veterinary care back home.