Seven Tips To Gain a Competitive Advantage in Veterinary Medicine: Are you considering a career as a veterinarian? If you’ve always loved animals, and have dreamed of becoming a vet, then you know the importance of selecting the best of the veterinarian major colleges to achieve your goals. Let’s explore seven important tips to help position you for lasting success in this industry.
Get a Competitive Advantage
Getting into a veterinary school requires having a distinct competitive edge. With only thirty-two schools across the nation offering a doctor of veterinary medicine (D.V.M.) degree, you need to stand out from the crowd. Many successful vets started in a pre-veterinary medicine program. This enabled them to get core courses such as biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.
To get the most out of your courses, look for small classes where you can get individual attention from your professors. This means you’ll work closely with professors, be able to talk with teaching assistants, and possibly be able to ask for a personal letter of recommendation when the time comes.
Volunteer at Animal Care Shelters, Zoos, Clinics, and Farms
While looking into your future career, look for opportunities to shadow experienced veterinary professionals. Volunteer at a local clinic or animal care shelter. Check with the Humane Society to find a shelter in your area. In each setting, you can get familiar with the daily interactions you’ll be doing as a veterinarian.
If you’re looking for ways to gain hands-on experience, be sure to check out the possibilities that are unique to where you live. You may find that a veterinary clinic, a general farm, a horse farm, or even a ranch near you is happy to offer you a chance to intern.
Explore How Professionals Deal With Stress
Going to school, working extra jobs, and pursuing your dreams can be stressful. Yet, everyone who is working as a vet today found ways to manage stress and succeed. Most professionals are eager to share their experiences and discuss practical steps.
Take the time to find out how other successful veterinarians managed to work and go to school. Interview people to learn how they dealt with anxiety, paid for their classes, and kept their motivation high. You’ll discover a lot of lifestyle habits that you can use as you pursue your dreams.
Explore Unique Opportunities
Do you have a particular interest in one aspect of veterinary medicine? Perhaps you’re fascinated with vitamins, diets, and healthy supplements to promote the health of domestic animals. Maybe you’ve always loved horses and want to set up an equine concierge service.
Or you may have even wanted to explore how animal-assisted therapy can help people reduce pain and anxiety. Whatever your current interests, you may be able to find professionals who are already doing what you are envisioning. If so, this could be a way to intern, volunteer, and participate in exciting projects.
Develop Your Communication Skills
In addition to direct experience in a clinic, shelter, or project, look for ways to practice and expand your communication skills with people. A veterinarian is not only taking care of animals but also skillfully communicating with animal owners. Explore ways you can shadow and observe veterinary professionals.
It’s a good idea to learn how to write blog posts, emails, and newsletters for clinics and animal welfare organizations. Consider different ways to boost your skills in talking with animal owners. Mostly, You may be able to do this while interning at a clinic or shelter. Getting a job as a dog walker or animal groomer will also put you close to animals and their owners.
Expand Your Career Goals
While you may have a classic or traditional picture of being a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, now is a great time to find new ways to expand your horizons. In fact, some graduates of pre-veterinary programs have gone on to very colorful internships and careers.
For instance, pre-vet candidates have interned in equine medicine and surgery. Others have had the chance to work as an intern with sport horses, exploring the fascinating field of equine medicine. Graduates of pre-vet programs have started just as you are today.
Many have gone on to work at prominent organizations such as the Chicago Veterinary Emergency Service, Green Trails Animal Clinic, and The Dairy Authority in Denver, Colorado. With internships, part-time jobs, and summer positions you can refine and apply your skills to work in specific areas of veterinary medicine.
Evaluate Your Options
As you explore ways to stand out from the crowd, consider how to get the best aid, support, and advice. If you’re transferring from another school, an international graduate, or a military veteran, you may qualify for special programs. The exciting field of veterinary medicine may be perfect for you. Finally, Explore your options, use your creativity — and never give up on your dreams.
