alternative careers

[ingenieur]

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Hi - Anybody have any insights into alternative careers for somebody who aspires to earn a DVM but can't? I'm working on a B.S. in biochemistry & molecular bio with pre-vet - I'm 34 & have been in the financial sector (business degree) for the last 10 years - because of my love of animals & desire to move into a more virtuous career. However, there is no DVM program where I live & my wife & I have decided that it's infeasible to uproot ourselves to a better location, assuming I'd be accepted; we have a mortgage, my wife has a career, & we'll likely try to have a child shortly.

I don't yet have a singular passion; I can't say that my goal is to be a primatologist or conservationist, for example. Simply put: I love science, respect animals & their environments, & want to contribute on a technical level. Anybody out there in (sorta) the same boat?

 

[cloverbug]

I'm not in the same boat but with the programs you're earning your degrees in I think research would be a good option for you. Something like engineering more effective surgery materials or medications maybe? That was the first thing that popped into my mind so I hope it helps. Good luck!

 

[that redhead]

I really enjoyed my time as a lab animal care technician. You're involved technically (surgeries and other in-depth procedures but also day-to-day animal care so you get to work with conscious animals) and there's just so much to learn about. You can get your AALAS certifications (three levels) which should help you "rise in the ranks" so to speak, with a change at management-level positions if you become interested in that 🙂

 

[ingenieur]

I'm not in the same boat but with the programs you're earning your degrees in I think research would be a good option for you. Something like engineering more effective surgery materials or medications maybe? That was the first thing that popped into my mind so I hope it helps. Good luck!

Thanks for the input! There's a nearby lab that researches alternatives to animal testing, I plan to reach out to them regarding opportunities, maybe for next summer. Probably pretty competitive but at least I can try!

 

[ingenieur]

I really enjoyed my time as a lab animal care technician. You're involved technically (surgeries and other in-depth procedures but also day-to-day animal care so you get to work with conscious animals) and there's just so much to learn about. You can get your AALAS certifications (three levels) which should help you "rise in the ranks" so to speak, with a change at management-level positions if you become interested in that 🙂

Thanks, definitely hadn't considered that. If you don't mind: Were you in a research or medical lab? Pets, wildlife, or farm animals?

 

[that redhead]

Thanks, definitely hadn't considered that. If you don't mind: Were you in a research or medical lab? Pets, wildlife, or farm animals?

Research. I've worked with all of those - "companion" animals like ferrets and parakeets, wildlife like snakes, alligators, bats, etc and farm animals like sheep and chickens. It's a really diverse field, not all rodents 🙂

 

[jerseyshoregirl]

Hey! It's nice to hear of someone in a similar boat as me. My career experiences are a bit of the "lite" version of yours but I'm going through the same issues and asking the same questions. I majored in history the first time around and then I worked in finance for a few years and I hated it. Started taking science Pre requisites and working as a vet tech. I want to apply to vet school, but I also am from a state with no vet school and my boyfriend (soon to be fiancé) has a grounded career and cannot move. UPenn is the closest option and is still 2 hours away (if I even got in!). Additionally, we want to start a family and have kids soon too so it's been really hard balancing that desire with keeping up his career to pay the bills (and fulfill his career dreams). I have thought long and hard about other things I could do with my interest in animals, science, medicine and chemistry. I've definitely considered the research route - pharmaceutical companies or a government agency in the public health field. Another idea I had recently would be to work for one of the vet diagnostic labs (antech, idexx, etc) in pathology. Yes, they also employ veterinary pathologists but someone I work with now worked in the lab at idexx analyzing fecals, urinalysis, Blood smears, etc. apparently they pay pretty well, much better than the salary of a vet tech 🙂 but if you've spent 10 years in finance, you may be accustomed to making much more in order to keep your mortgage afloat! I've also thought about getting my masters or phd in a biochem related field since there are SO many closer programs than vet school.

 

[bunnity]

I'm not sure how different nonprofit business stuff is but you could work for a humane society on the business end of things and still have your job be animal focused. The SPCA I worked at had plenty of people involved in the marketing and fundraising end of things and they were just a staircase away from the kennel if they wanted some puppy love.

 

[ingenieur]

Hey! It's nice to hear of someone in a similar boat as me. My career experiences are a bit of the "lite" version of yours but I'm going through the same issues and asking the same questions.

Yo! I've considered applying for vet tech positions, & certainly I'd do so were I planning to apply to DVM programs, but while I'm in school I'm staying with my current employer, who's been awesome about my schedule & benefits. A tech career in Veterinary Pathology is a great idea! I wish I had a more refined goal but all I truly know is that I want to a.) help animals & b.) have (& actually use) an advanced degree in science. I enjoy lab work & am motivated by the plight of animals, from injured pets up to entire ecosystems. I thought a DVM would be my ticket into a variety of different paths, from local clinics to zoo & field work. But I know I don't need a DVM in order to make a difference & have a rewarding career that keeps a roof over my head, just gotta find my way.

 

[emily4264]

Hey y'all, I just graduated with an environmental/biology degree (BS) and applied to vet school but didnt get in. I was always interested in environmental toxicology and am now considering a masters in that instead of vet school. I see similarities between the two and think that may be for me. Who knows though, vet school is still a possibility for me and maybe even both.

 

[MysteryCat]

Hey y'all, I just graduated with an environmental/biology degree (BS) and applied to vet school but didnt get in. I was always interested in environmental toxicology and am now considering a masters in that instead of vet school. I see similarities between the two and think that may be for me. Who knows though, vet school is still a possibility for me and maybe even both.

I'm sure you already know, but the vast majority of applicants don't get in the first time! If you want to go to vet school, don't give up! 🙂 I don't have any advice on your masters idea, but it sounds interesting.

 

[emily4264]

I'm sure you already know, but the vast majority of applicants don't get in the first time! If you want to go to vet school, don't give up! 🙂 I don't have any advice on your masters idea, but it sounds interesting.

Thanks, it's just discouraging spending all that time and money to apply and interview. I know id be happy being a vet, but now starting to doubt if its worth the stress/time/cost and eventually debt after graduating, if I'd be happy doing something I'm also passionate about. I guess this is my current post grad crisis haha. Hoping to get a job first and figure out what I really want.