2 answers
Ari
Student
Dobbs Ferry, New York
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to establish yourself in the field of animal care and sciences ?
I’m a high school student interested in animals, and I want to know how I can establish myself, and stand apart from others.
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2 answers
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
162
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Ari!
Great questions! There are many things you can do. Here are a few:
Take biology, chemistry, or zoology courses. Really any science classes you can get your hands on.
Volunteer at a local shelter or animal-related organization. Sometimes they have teen volunteer programs or you can volunteer with an adult like a parent.
When you are 16 (most jobs require you to be at least 16) get a part-time job at a vet office, pet resort, pet store- any animal-related place you can get a job at.
See if there are any summer camps or college programs related to animals. Sometimes Zoos offer camps.
Study and learn as much as you can about animals. There are a lot of great shows you can watch too. If you have Disney+ they have a lot of great shows- Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom, Secrets of the Zoo, Love & Vets, and many many more
If you want to become a vet know that vet schools are very competitive. There are not a lot of vet schools which adds to the competition. You will want top grades and show you have animal experiences such as volunteering and part-time jobs.
I hope this helps and feel free to ask additional questions!
Great questions! There are many things you can do. Here are a few:
Take biology, chemistry, or zoology courses. Really any science classes you can get your hands on.
Volunteer at a local shelter or animal-related organization. Sometimes they have teen volunteer programs or you can volunteer with an adult like a parent.
When you are 16 (most jobs require you to be at least 16) get a part-time job at a vet office, pet resort, pet store- any animal-related place you can get a job at.
See if there are any summer camps or college programs related to animals. Sometimes Zoos offer camps.
Study and learn as much as you can about animals. There are a lot of great shows you can watch too. If you have Disney+ they have a lot of great shows- Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom, Secrets of the Zoo, Love & Vets, and many many more
If you want to become a vet know that vet schools are very competitive. There are not a lot of vet schools which adds to the competition. You will want top grades and show you have animal experiences such as volunteering and part-time jobs.
I hope this helps and feel free to ask additional questions!
Thank you so much for the advice, I just started watching Secrets of the Zoo!
Ari
Diane Gibson
Underwriter
58
Answers
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Updated
Diane’s Answer
Hi Ari, assuming you are already focusing on college prep classes, in high school, for a veterinary career (if that is the direction you are looking to take) I would contact local vet offices (small animal and large animal vets) to see if they have any job opportunities and/or shadowing opportunities. Nothing like hand on experience to help you figure out if this is the career path for you. Look at local animal shelters for job and/or volunteering opportunities. If you have an area zoo that would also be a great place to start as well. Bottom line, look to get as much hands on experience in the animal field.
Okay, will do! Thank you so much for your advice!
Ari