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How to decide if you picked the right career?

How to decide if you licked the right career? I am a senior in high school and I want to become a veterinarian . I have always wanted to be one but I haven’t thought of any other careers as a back up

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Molly’s Answer

Hello Mary!

This is a great question! Simply answered, I would recommend to step your foot into multiple areas. If you find that what you are currently in or studying does not satisfy and appeal to what you want to do in the future, then you can easily shift away from that one area and focus in another. In college, I knew that I wanted to focus my studies in general business. However, that is all I knew. After focusing my studies in multiple areas of business, I found my way into Human Resources where I currently am working in today. I received my MBA focusing specifically in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources, and currently have a position as an Human Resources Administrator for a Sam's Club distribution and fulfillment center. You will never know what you like until you dip your foot in the water and tread through several areas!
Dimply put, you do not have to settle on the first major that you decide. You never know what you'll find until you step your foot out there and test the waters!

If you find that becoming a veterinarian does not satisfy you, and you'd rather work in a different area, then for sure try out something new! Do not ever feel bad for changing your goals or expectations for the future. Never feel rushed, and always have a support system that will help you through the process of figuring out what you want to do an accomplish.

I hope this helped, and good luck in your endeavors!

Thank You
Molly H.
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Picard Larisse Dona’s Answer

Hello there! Remember, your career choice is essentially the blueprint for your life's journey. If your heart beats for animals and their well-being, or if you're captivated by mechanics or aviation, then you've likely found your perfect job match. As you pursue your chosen profession, there will undoubtedly be highs and lows, but it's your love and passion that will fuel your growth.

Nonetheless, it's always wise to have a safety net in life. Consider acquiring a degree, certification, or some form of valuable asset that can serve as a lifeline at any point in your life. Pursuing your passion, while being mindful of potential risks and equipped with contingency plans, is a strategy I would personally recommend.
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Pat’s Answer

It seems like you have a passion for professions that involve helping others. If you're considering a career as a veterinarian, it would be beneficial to research the prerequisites for this line of work. Investigate different universities that offer veterinary programs, and familiarize yourself with their undergraduate requirements and the criteria for admission into the program. It's also important to consider the time commitment required to achieve your goal, ensuring that you're truly willing to dedicate the necessary time.

Additionally, there are opportunities available as veterinary technicians. Exploring this route could give you a taste of the profession and help you decide if you're genuinely committed to becoming a vet. It could also serve as a source of income while you're contemplating your full commitment to this career path.
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Jacob’s Answer

Choosing a career, especially one as specialized as becoming a veterinarian, is a significant decision. Here are some steps to help you evaluate if you've chosen the right career path and to provide some peace of mind:

**1. Self-Reflection:**
- Reflect on why you want to become a veterinarian. What aspects of the profession appeal to you? Are you genuinely passionate about animals and their well-being? Make sure your motivations align with the demands of the career.

**2. Research the Career:**
- Learn more about the veterinary profession. Research the responsibilities, challenges, and day-to-day tasks of veterinarians. Understanding the realities of the job can help you confirm your choice.

**3. Gain Experience:**
- If possible, seek opportunities to gain practical experience in a veterinary setting, such as volunteering at a clinic or shadowing a veterinarian. This firsthand experience can provide valuable insights and help you assess if it's the right fit for you.

**4. Explore Alternatives:**
- While you've always wanted to be a veterinarian, it's a good idea to explore other career options as well. Consider taking career assessment tests or speaking with a career counselor to identify alternative paths that align with your interests and skills.

**5. Talk to Veterinarians:**
- Connect with practicing veterinarians and ask them about their experiences. Inquire about the challenges and rewards of their profession. Hearing from professionals in the field can provide valuable perspectives.

**6. Consider the Education Path:**
- Recognize that becoming a veterinarian requires a significant educational commitment. Evaluate your willingness and readiness to pursue the required education, which typically includes a bachelor's degree followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.

**7. Long-Term Goals:**
- Think about your long-term career goals. Consider whether you're open to exploring different areas within the field of veterinary medicine, such as small animal practice, research, wildlife conservation, or public health.

**8. Be Open to Adaptation:**
- Keep in mind that career paths can evolve. While you're committed to becoming a veterinarian now, your interests and goals may change over time. Be open to adaptation and learning as you progress in your career.

**9. Seek Guidance:**
- Talk to mentors, teachers, and counselors for advice and guidance. They can provide valuable insights and support as you make career decisions.

**10. Trust Your Instincts:**
- Ultimately, trust your instincts and passion for the field. If you have a genuine love for animals and a strong desire to make a positive impact on their lives, veterinary medicine may be the right career for you.

Remember that it's normal to have moments of doubt and uncertainty when making career decisions. The key is to stay informed, gather experiences, and continually assess your interests and goals. If, after careful consideration and exploration, you remain passionate about becoming a veterinarian, then you're on the right path. However, it's always wise to keep an open mind and be prepared for the journey ahead.
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Megan’s Answer

Hi Mary,

I think the best way to know if you are going to like a career is to explore and get experience related to that career. If you are interested in being a vet I would look into doing some of the following:
Job shadow a vet
Volunteer at a pet shelter or zoo
A part-time job working with animals- pet store, dog walking, pet sitting, shelter, zoo
internship at a zoo or shelter

There is a shortage of vets right now and they really need people to go into the field. The only problem with that is that there are not a whole lot of vet schools in the US and it is really hard to get into vet school. Some people do go out of the country to go to vet school. However, there are lots of careers working with animals that you can explore. Depending on the major you go into it can set you up for many careers working with animals. I would suggest not choosing a pre-vet major because if you change your mind it does not leave you with an actual bachelor's degree.

I would be happy to answer any additional questions you have and offer some more resources for exploring careers!
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Doctorate Student’s Answer

Hello there! This career path is an excellent choice, by the way! The most important thing is to follow your passion, and everything else will naturally align. To save both time and money, consider starting with General Education courses at a Community College, which are usually tuition-free. This will also give you a taste of what subjects truly captivate you. Don't hesitate to consult with a college or career counselor, as their guidance can be incredibly beneficial. Here's to your success! Best of luck and warm wishes on your journey!
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Raymond’s Answer

Hi Mary there are several online tests you can take that you simply answer questions of aptitude and strengths. At the test end it gives you a summary of things you would enjoy and be good at. It was a huge tool I utilized when in college. Additionally, think of the things that put a smile on your face or in which you are generally happy or in which time moves very quickly and which is fun. In your case you are eying becoming a veterinarian which is a very heartfelt job by the way so I commend you. In order to gain experience and real life submersion in the area and industry, begin volunteering at your local animal shelter. Visit zoo and places of wildlife to see the atmosphere. Create a FP page and join pages that have to do with the industry itself. Many of these things will give you a chance at doing so you don't end up pursuing something you may have not liked. There is a lot of math and science involved too, so examine correlating subjects if they fit your fancy. You may love animals, but dislike analytics or math in which you may decide you would rather care for animals on a more subjective level than objective, and may opt to be a trainer instead. The best part is you are thinking in advance and have so much time and head start to even consider this question than end of up in a disliked career, or job, so I commend you in the mean time!
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Alan’s Answer

Unfortunately, there's no way of fully knowing if one is in the "right" profession until you're doing it. But given that you have a clear interest in it at this point, it's certainly your best bet. There are surveys you can take to narrow down career paths based on interests, skills and values, but they would probably lead you to this anyway. By all means pursue it. If you have a secondary interest, you can always take a relevant elective or two during college to provide more information. If I were you, I'd also visit some veterinary offices and clinics, and when you meet with college advisors, try to connect with one that can really help you in your field of study.

P.S. Since you're asking for guidance, I have to say, to be helpful, that you should always edit your writing. You're applying to college and dealing with professionals. You'll be writing letters and sending resumes. Careless typos don't mean anything when texting, nor even here, but they will.
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PwC’s Answer

If you find yourself excited to go to work, can easily picture yourself doing the career for a long time, and enjoy the learning that comes with getting into the field.
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