Getting specific.

[lenmaca]

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I have a dilemma.
My personal statement points towards a specialization in theriogenology. I included one large experience as a basis for my decision and some minor experiences to indicate well-roundedness. However, I am wondering if I may be getting too specific that it may actually come off as negative.
The prompt states to "discuss your career goals and objectives," but does anyone have any advice about how specific that want you to get?

I don't want to come off as too narrow-minded, but I really don't want to seem like I have no direction! 😱

 

[DreamComeTrue09]

I have the same problem.

 

[LucyLoo]

I told them that I wanted to be a small animal vet and own my own clinic. But I'm also a non-trad who's had plenty of time to think about it. 😀 I think you should be a specific as you feel comfortable with and that is reasonable at this stage (ie how realistically specific you can be predicting what will happen in 4-6 years).

 

[NittanyKitty]

I don't think that there's anything wrong with being specific, just be prepared to back up your current career plans both in your statement and in interviews. If you explain the impact of your studies and experiences on that choice and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the field (negatives, positives, current issues, career opportunities, etc), I'd think you'd be okay. 🙂

 

[pupsforseeing]

I was *really* specific in both my PS and my interviews. I want to be a vet at a service/guide dog school. There are probably less than 20 of these positions in the US. But, I was prepared to show how my experiences and passions had led me to this conclusion and also how I am prepared to deal with it if I can't land one of these jobs (since there are so few and they have a relatively low turn-over rate). It worked 🙂

 

[VeganChick]

One school told me that they prefer specificity. Of course, that is only one, but at least you know that there is at least one school that takes that into consideration. (Of course, another school told me they didn't really care since so many people switch anyway. But I would think to err on the side of more, not less.)

 

[FlyOnTheWall]

Don't be specific.. wouldn't want to alienate any AdComs reading your profile. Best to talk about all the possibilites available and how you like all you've been exposed to.. so far

 

[QuarterHorseGal]

My advice is that if you are going to be specific, have a lot of veterinary experience to back it up. I almost did not even get an interview because I said I wanted to do equine. I was told because I said this in my personal statement, it made me a weak candidate because I didn't have the experience to back it up. I have had horses my entire life, breeding, training, showing, worked for racehorse farms, gave riding lessons, etc. and had a four month externship at an equine reproduction clinic, but it wasn't enough to substantiate my direction towards equine, go figure... Luckily, I got an alternate interview and ended up doing well enough in it that I was accepted. However, I would say that more than half of our class doesn't know what they want to do (including me now!). When you get in, you are exposed to so many new opportunities you didn't even know existed, and they know that, and they want you to be open minded. So I would say it is fine to say that you have an interest in that area, but I wouldn't go much further than that. Hope it helps!

 

[lenmaca]

This has all been very wonderful advice. Thank you everyone!
I decided to take out the really specific stuff, while leaving in information about what really interests me.
I am wondering if anyone would mind reading my personal statement for me? I need some objective readers before I can push that submit button!
I will PM my statement to anyone willing!
Thanks!

 

[bern]

A large number of people change their mind before they finish their DVM, anyway.

I would use it as an opportunity to discuss your interests (which will allow them to further evaluate your motives for wanting to to go to vet school) and to demonstrate that you've thought about your long term goals--let them know that you know what you're getting into. Just make it clear that you have an open mind.