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What kind of experience should I get before I graduate high-school ?

I am 16 years old and currently in 10th grade. I want to be a vet when I am older. What kind of experiences should I try to get before I graduate? Should I try to get a job working on a farm? What should I do during the summer that would help me get experience?

veterinary farming equine horses
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Vianne’s Answer

It's great that you're thinking ahead about becoming a vet. Starting early shows you're serious and eager to learn what it takes. At 16, you can do a lot to get a head start and see if veterinary work is right for you.

Getting hands-on experience is crucial. Volunteer at animal shelters, wildlife centers, or vet clinics to understand what working with animals involves. Jobs or internships on farms, stables, or pet boarding facilities are also valuable for learning animal care and handling various species. Even small tasks like helping neighbors with pets or fostering animals can teach important skills.

In the summer, look for programs, camps, or volunteer opportunities where you can work with animals and observe veterinary professionals. Consider job shadowing a vet for a few days to see their daily routine. The key is to gain a variety of experiences to understand different aspects of animal care.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Caitlyn
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Rafael’s Answer

Hey Caitlyn, great to hear from you again! It's awesome that you already know you want to go into veterinary medicine, and starting to build experience now will really set you apart. The best thing you can do is get as much hands-on animal exposure as possible, so yes, working on a farm would be a fantastic option, especially with your interest in equine and larger animals. Try reaching out to local vet clinics for volunteer opportunities or job shadowing, and animal shelters are another great route since they're almost always looking for help. For summers, look into vet camps or pre-vet programs that some universities offer for high schoolers, or even just spend the time helping a local farmer with livestock care and basic animal health. From my own experience, the things that helped me the most early on were saying yes to every opportunity, even when it wasn't a perfect fit, because each one taught me something unexpected and helped shape my path. So don't overthink it, just start getting involved wherever you can, and let your curiosity guide you. You're already ahead of the game!
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Skip’s Answer

Vianne and Rafael have shared some great advice. Getting hands-on experience with animals is essential for preparing for veterinary school, and some of this experience should be with practicing vets. Starting as a volunteer is a great first step, and securing a paid position in a veterinary practice can show your commitment and value. Don't forget to explore other ways to learn about working with animals, like on farms, ranches, stables, or even zoos and aquariums. These experiences are very valuable.

Also, consider gaining exposure to animal-based research, as this field offers many career opportunities. While it might be tough to get this experience in high school, there are plenty of chances to do so during college. When you apply to vet school, explaining what you've learned from a variety of experiences will be very impressive.

Good luck! A career in veterinary medicine is truly wonderful.

S. W. Jack, D.V.M., M.S., Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine
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