So, here's a quick scenario: You're a pre-vet, maybe in your first or second year, and you're peeking into the application requirements for UC Davis's School of Veterinary Medicine and see this:
AHHH! 180 veterinary experience hours?? 180 veterinary experience hours?? I don't even have 180 hours in my current Zelda save file, much less 180 hours of experience working side-by-side with a vet in a clinical setting. How does a recent high school graduate, basically a baby in every sense of the word, find a vet to work alongside?
Fortunately, there are plenty of vet clinics in the world, and just as many entry level positions waiting for enterprising young pre-vets. The most common job available to undergrads is the veterinary assistant position, which is my current job. You can also ask to shadow vets or pick up an internship, but for the purposes of this blog post we'll just stick to the ins and outs of becoming a vet assistant.
Here is a quick run-down of how to find veterinary assistant opportunities, prepare yourself for interviews, and land the part-time job of your dreams.
Part One: What Is a Vet Assistant?
While the exact job description varies depending on the clinic, a vet assistant is essentially a staff member who covers everything from secretarial work to helping out with exams and other procedures. In short: you assist the vet. If there is no designated secretary position at your practice, most of your time will likely be spent manning the front desk — so that means booking appointments, taking calls, filing, and dealing with clients. Good customer service is everything!
You will also likely assist with exams, which means working directly with the vet. Again, the exact details vary, and you should be prepared for just about anything. Some days you might be holding puppies still for their first shots, and other days you might be helping out on a blood draw from a very agitated pit bull.
And finally, prepare to clean. Hygiene is critical for every practice, and whether you're mopping up cat vomit or doing a full breakdown on a closing shift, it might be a good idea to get used to the smell of bleach.
Part Two: How Do You Find a Job as a Vet Assistant?
Good question! The usual answer is: pretty much how you'd find any other job. The current answer is: COVID-19 has complicated this. I recommend asking around (PVMA board members are always happy to help!) and checking local classifieds, cold-calling, basically doing whatever you can to figure out who's hiring. Jobs in nearly every field are relatively scarce right now, and vet schools have become more accommodating about their experience hour requirements as a result, but I still recommend trying to find work or at least an internship or shadowing experience to make sure this is really the path you want to pursue. Who knows — unpaid opportunities might even lead you to a paid position!
If you're in SB County and need a place to start, here is a list of Santa Barbara clinics with contact information.
Part Three: How to Land a Job at a Clinic
There are two major components to landing any job: your resume and your interview.
Resume-building is a special skill in and unto itself, but my main piece of advice is to remember that no job experience is irrelevant! For vet clinics, it's important to have at least some animal handling experience, but customer service and reception work can also be marks in your favor. Try to present a rounded picture of yourself, and don't shy away from applying to a job simply because you don't meet every listed requirement or you don't have a ton of work experience. Applications are free, and the worst thing that can happen is a "no."
If the clinic likes your resume, the next step will be an interview. Dress professionally, stay calm, and don't overthink. It's important to impress, but it's not great to present a false impression of yourself that you can't live up to. Be honest about your experience, your weaknesses, and what you can bring to the table.
Final tip: be sure to bring a couple of questions to the interview! Asking questions shows that you've been paying attention and are serious about the job.
That's all for now, pre-vets! I hope this was helpful, and best of luck in all your future job-hunting. :)