Viking Connections: Nicole DiGiacomo

Nicole DiGiacomo's current job is as an associate clinical veterinarian in a small animal hospital in Villa Park, Illinois. She has been employed in this position for 16 years, specializing in medicine, surgery, with professional interests in animal behavior, positive reinforcement training, and veterinary dentistry. She currently serves as an alumni member of the applicant interview day team at the University of Illinois College of Vet Medicine.

"I was accepted to veterinary school in 2001 after graduating from Augustana. Since my graduation from veterinary school in 2005, I mentor local high school and college students in our veterinary practice. This process has made me acutely aware of one of the primary reasons that I was accepted in veterinary school in my first application process; the advising program through the biology and pre-vet programs at Augie. I was so well prepared as an undergraduate by the team at Augie. Their guidance on the selection of required and elective classes to take, the goal GPA to try to achieve, the application process, and the application interview preparation was instrumental in setting me apart from other prospective applicants. In talking with current undergrads, I have learned that their experience is not always the same as mine. I always try to share my experiences as an Augie undergrad applicant and also as a U of I CVM alumni applicant interview selection committee member in the hopes of encouraging the best preparation of undergrads for admission to our profession. The preparation and guidance I received at Augie was above all others, and I hope this standard of excellence continues."

Graduation year: 2001

Post-grad: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Majors: Biology and Biochemistry

Campus activities: APO National Service Fraternity, Admissions Ambassador, Augie Volleyball team

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