Entry Level Positions for Aspiring Veterinarians
To gain experience in the veterinary field, undergraduates should consider "volunteering at a veterinary practice" or shadowing veterinarians, exploring roles with wildlife veterinarians and biologists, or pursuing advanced studies in related sciences like "artificial intelligence" to contribute to the "one health community." These experiences offer valuable insights into the profession and its interconnectedness with human, animal, and environmental health.
Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Biology, Wildlife, Graduate Studies
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
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Traits
Zach Mills
Vice President; LTC
The Vets; US Army Reserve
Kansas State University (1994)
Colorado State University (Epidemiology); University of Georgia (MBA); Kansas State University (DVM); Kansas State University (MPH)
Biology & Related Sciences
Government & Public Sector, Military
Medical
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Volunteer at a veterinary practice to gain firsthand experience and understand the daily routine.
2. Shadow or intern with veterinarians to learn practical skills and observe various aspects of the profession.
3. Pursue advanced studies in related scientific fields like biology or animal science to complement veterinary work and contribute to advancements in diagnostics or AI within the veterinary industry.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
As a veterinarian, to practice as an Advanced Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (ADVM), you need an additional skill identifier. This is in addition to your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
Coming out of your undergraduate studies, you might wonder how to gain experience. There are many options available. One simple approach is volunteering at a veterinary practice to understand the day-to-day operations.
This experience doesn't have to be limited to a traditional practice. You can also consider shadowing veterinarians or undertaking internships. I believe gaining this kind of exposure is very important.
Many people entering veterinary medicine have backgrounds in biology or animal science. Working alongside wildlife veterinarians can be a fascinating path. I have worked with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, where biologists often collaborate with us.
These biologists may have specialized knowledge of particular diseases or aspects of animal anatomy. Together, veterinarians and their biology counterparts work effectively to achieve common goals.
Regarding other opportunities around veterinarians, I recommend exploring graduate studies during your undergraduate years. This doesn't necessarily mean veterinary graduate studies, but advanced science programs that offer deeper insights. These can be ancillary to advancing the profession.
Consider areas like advancements in diagnostics or artificial intelligence. All of these will play a role in the future of veterinary medicine. As I see it, veterinary medicine is part of a "One Health" community.
This community encompasses humans, animals, and their shared environments. Undergraduate students have opportunities to explore these interconnected areas. They can see how their interests might align with the veterinary profession and industry.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/zachmills