Professional Career DevelopmentReview

Professional Development

Employment opportunities for technicians General practice Specialty practice

Internal medicine, dermatology, dentistry, cardiology, neurology, emergency, and critical care

Emergency practice Research and development Veterinary manufacturer and distributor companies Teaching

Professional Development Sources for locating employment opportunities

Websites Word of mouth School board postings and services National veterinary conferences National publications

Veterinary Economics Veterinary Technician Vet Product News DVM

Professional Development Preparing employment data

Cover letter Teach readers something they will not learn in resume Create interest Describe abilities Request an interview

Resume Marketing tool tailored to specific job applicant is seeking

Professional Development Resumes

List contact information at top Objective statement Education Employment history

Keep job descriptions and duties short and to the point Volunteer experience Membership organizations References: separate sheet of paper

Professional Development Email and Internet resumes

Many companies only accept resumes online Save resume in PDF file; allows uploading of resume as it

was created

Professional Development Preparing for interview

Practice! “Where have I been in my life?” “Where am I now?” “Where am I going?” “How am I going to achieve my goals?” “What are my strengths and weaknesses?” “What type of salary and benefits am I willing to accept?”

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Interview Tips Be early Dress appropriately Make eye contact Smile Speak clearly Be positive Talk about your strengths Sit up straight Ask questions

Professional Development Learn about the business to which one is applying

Mission statements Company philosophy Dress appropriately Prepare questions for interviewer

Professional Development Follow up after interview

Follow-up letter/note/email Indicates interest in the position May set candidate apart from the rest

Career Choices Small Animal

Companion animals Example: Dog or Cat

Large Animal Livestock species

Example: Equine, Bovine, Sheep and Goats Exotic Animal

Examples: amphibians, birds, or reptiles Specialization Private Practice

Only certain species treated Example: Equine only, Feline only, Reptile only

Practices

Career Choices Anesthesiology

Additional study in anesthetizing animals for surgery Job: hired by vet clinics to assist with surgeries

Surgery Additional training in surgical procedures Some specialization in species or types of surgeries Example: Colic surgery in horses Job: Hired by universities or large scale vet clinics for

specific surgeries Zoological Medicine

Emphasis on “zoo” animal health Job: Work for Zoos

Career Choices Military

Send veterinarians across seas to ensure the health of military animals and low income community animals

Food Safety Quality control of products Safety of products

Job: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Animal Importation Regulate animals going across state borders and into new

states Regulate animals leaving or coming into the country

Job: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Career Choices Research at a University

Research different treatment options and methods Research for prevention against diseases

Instructor at a University Educate young veterinary enthusiasts Teach classes that interest you and help students

accomplish their veterinary dreams

More Options Travel around the world and help third world

countries care for companion and livestock animals Help with natural disasters

Donate time and energy to help families with sick or injured pets during unexpected events

Examples: Vet-I-Care Organization, ASPCA, AHA, Rocky Mountain Conservation Center, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Inc., The Wildcat Sanctuary, Save A Forgotten Equine, Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, FIXNATION INC, Oak Hill Animal Rescue Inc. etc.

Expectations in the Workplace Depending on where you work will determine

required clothing and work habits. Scrubs and comfy, closed toed footwear is more common.

The type of clinic (ex: large, exotic or small) will determine the amount of physical work that will need to be done.

Be prepared to get messy and to be on your feet all day.

Work Habits Arrive on time Be Responsible Have a good attitude Dress appropriately Respect others Handle criticism well Get along with co-workers Be self motivated Follow directions Be hard working

Communication Tips Be a good listener Don’t talk negatively about other co-workers or other

animal facilities Make eye contact Think about what you say before you say it Ask questions Give advice only when it’s asked for Be cheerful and attentive Respect others’ ideas Stop working when someone talks to you and give

them your full attention.