How do I get the experience for my application?

[ashashbobash]

I just don't know where to start. Can someone give me a play by play of how I get a hold of these oppurtunities.

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[SkiOtter]

Step 1. Find vet
Step 2. Ask if can shadow
Step 3. Repeat as necessary
Step 4. Experience

 

[DVMDream]

Step 1. Find a vet
Step 2. Dress decently before going in
Step 3. Bring resume/CV/cover letter
Step 4. Ask to shadow in person, if you can't talk with the vet, talk with the receptionist, explain to him/her what you are looking for, leave your resume/CV and cover letter (this should explain what you are looking to do). Do NOT ask to shadow for a summer, a month, or even a week, ask for a single day. Seriously. Do not get angry if they answer is no, say "thank you for your time" and move along to the next clinic.
Step 5. Shadow, be present, ask questions, but don't ask questions at the wrong time (such as in front of clients, while the vet is in the middle of surgery/CPR/on the phone), find a time when the vet seems to be not as busy and say "I have some questions for you would you have time if I ask you those now or could you let me know when you would be available?"
Step 6. If you are shadowing, as hard as it is, do NOT do NOT do NOT attempt to "jump in and assist", stand back, watch, ask questions and then ASK if there is anything you can help with. You may not be legally allowed to do anything... including picking up dog ****. Serious.
Step 7. If the one day goes well, tell the vet, "thank you so much for this opportunity, can I ask you about a possible more long-term shadowing position?"
Step 8. Return as needed/if they say yes.

 

[PippyPony]

Step 9: Bring warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies on the day you shadow as a thank you.

Got me a job (I'm not even kidding).

 

[RedLauren]

Step 10. Put your cellphone away. Yes, for the whole time.

 

[DVMdreamcometrue]

Volunteering is also a good way to gain experience hours. Although most clinics do not take volunteers because of liabilities issue, you can try local animal shelters or SPCAs or even animal rehabilitation centers.

 

[wildlifer]

Step 9: Bring warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies on the day you shadow as a thank you.

Got me a job (I'm not even kidding).

Seriously, bringing in baked goods = bonus points!

Step 10. Put your cellphone away. Yes, for the whole time.

This drives me insane, have seen it often with the students who shadow/intern at my work.

 

[dolphin106258]

Step 10. Put your cellphone away. Yes, for the whole time.

At the place I shadow at everyone takes out their phones except me. That’s the vets, techs and assistants lol, it can be slow sometimes. But the assistants are the worst at it. I only pull mine out a handful of times to check the clock.