1 answer
Mikayla Elise
Student
Pleasanton, California
1
Question
Asked
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What should I do to become an aquatic veterinarian?
I am a freshman in college and want more animal care experience. How can I get internships without any previous experience? Is there a certain way I should network while I am volunteering so I can get a job at the places I volunteer at?
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1 answer
Maya Hallstrom
Veterinary assistant
1
Answer
Ames, Iowa
Updated
Maya’s Answer
Hello!
I am a current veterinary student. Really the best way to start getting experience is to put yourself out there! Email all of the clinics in your area and ask about the possibility of them taking you on as an intern or possibly a veterinary assistant (great way to get paid while gaining the experience). Also search job boards in the area for veterinary assistant positions, or possibly kennel tech positions at clinics. Lots of clinics will let you work your way up and learn on the job, especially if you let them know that you are looking to gain veterinary experience and want to explore the possibility of becoming a veterinarian. It will probably be harder to get aquatic experiences specifically, but reaching out to clinics in your area can help be a stepping stone as those vets may have connections they can share with you. I would recommend especially trying to find an exotic clinic in your area. I had worked at an exotic clinic and we occasionally even saw fish. As for networking at the places you are volunteering at, I would just recommend with being upfront and asking if they know of any opportunities that would be available to you. Most people are willing and want to help you gain experience, you just have to prompt it! :)
I am a current veterinary student. Really the best way to start getting experience is to put yourself out there! Email all of the clinics in your area and ask about the possibility of them taking you on as an intern or possibly a veterinary assistant (great way to get paid while gaining the experience). Also search job boards in the area for veterinary assistant positions, or possibly kennel tech positions at clinics. Lots of clinics will let you work your way up and learn on the job, especially if you let them know that you are looking to gain veterinary experience and want to explore the possibility of becoming a veterinarian. It will probably be harder to get aquatic experiences specifically, but reaching out to clinics in your area can help be a stepping stone as those vets may have connections they can share with you. I would recommend especially trying to find an exotic clinic in your area. I had worked at an exotic clinic and we occasionally even saw fish. As for networking at the places you are volunteering at, I would just recommend with being upfront and asking if they know of any opportunities that would be available to you. Most people are willing and want to help you gain experience, you just have to prompt it! :)