How to Find Veterinarian Jobs

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

I Did This Rate: (7 Ratings)

Becoming a veterinarian is an ambition of many children at some point. Children naturally love animals, and it is not uncommon for them to have a strong desire to help the creatures they adore. For some children, this early ambition continues into adulthood. If you're a veterinarian or planning to become one, you should know how to find veterinarian jobs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Find Veterinarian Jobs

Step1

Use the resources of your veterinary school. Schools usually have a career placement office that can help you to find a job after graduation.

Step2

Rely on the contacts you made during your residency. As a veterinarian, you will have worked in a clinic or animal hospital as part of your training. Ask the people you met there to refer you to any veterinary jobs they may hear about.

Step3

Volunteer in an animal clinic or hospital. This is a particularly effective strategy for the recent graduate. Such volunteer positions put you in an excellent position to hear about veterinary job openings as they arise. They also provide you with on the job experience that can help you become a more competitive veterinary job candidate.

Step4

Examine the classified ads in the newspaper. The "help wanted" section will have listings for local veterinary job openings.

Step5

Create a job for yourself by starting your own private veterinary practice.

Step6

Find a job working as a veterinarian for the federal government. Go to the website of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to find current openings and detailed instructions on how to apply (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

A veterinarian is a doctor. Therefore, medical training is required. Expect several years of post-graduate education in order to become a licensed veterinarian.
Most veterinary schools require a solid background in math and science courses at the undergraduate level. Talk with your college's career counselor or your personal adviser about what courses would be best for you to take to gain entry to veterinary school after graduation.
Make sure you aren't squeamish if you're planning on becoming a veterinarian. Your veterinary school training will require you to dissect a lot of deceased animals. This may seem horrifying at first, but it is necessary in order to learn animal anatomy as well as how to perform a variety of surgical procedures.