It is definitely beginning to look and feel like fall. The air is crisper, the leaves are beginning to turn, store shelves are lined with holiday decorations, and most importantly in my world, it is time to start visiting veterinary colleges to speak with students about gaining hands-on experience that will enable them to ease their way into the veterinary profession. This fall will be my eighth consecutive year of having the privilege of speaking with those of you who are the future of veterinary medicine. While the dynamics of veterinary medicine have changed over the course of those years, it is clear that the common themes that are on the minds of veterinary students have stayed generally consistent.
Two common topics present themselves when I am speaking with students. Students are looking to find a summer job that will enable them to work side by side with a veterinary team where they will gain real-world experience in an environment that is conducive to learning practical knowledge, and they want to ensure that they are working in a hospital that will be similar to the type of medicine they want to practice once they join the profession. I encourage these students to find an opportunity that will allow them to function not just as a technician, but one to work directly under the mentorship of an experienced veterinarian. During clinical rotations at school, the student is exposed to many complex cases, but not necessarily the typical caseload of general small-animal practice. Externships give the student an opportunity to work more closely with a mentor doctor while experiencing the caseload of a typical practice. A good summer job or externship should allow students to focus on perfecting physical exam skills, develop client communication skills, learn and understand the proper use of diagnostic tools, and work as part of a team.
As I am speaking with today’s students, I encourage them to think of summer jobs and externships as an extended interview and I ask them to create a checklist of items that are important to them when looking at working in a hospital either while in school or upon graduation. I believe there are some universal issues students should consider. First and foremost, the student should determine if the practice encourages a mentoring and learning environment. Secondly, the student should ensure that the hospital practices the type of medicine that they would want to practice as a veterinarian. Additionally, the student should know that the practice has a healthy and supportive management structure. Lastly, the student should determine if this is a practice they would want to join after graduation. Important things to look for include opportunities for professional and personal growth, a focus on healthy work-life balance, advanced career tracks, and a fair compensation plan that rewards them for their contributions.
Selecting a first job out of veterinary school is most likely the hardest and most important decision a student makes their entire career. It can be the determing factor in the type of veterinarian they will become. Participating in a summer job or externship program will enable the student to have a head start when looking for the practice that is the perfect fit.