shadowing as experience?

[jkq202]

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[Pomona2006]

In my humble (and likely unqualified) opinion I would say you are doing a lot of really great stuff, even if it is only shadowing. At least you have exposure to those various aspects of vetmed. Be sure to comment on them and what you've taken from them in your personal statement so that you don't undercount your own experiences. If you've taken stuff away from the experience - even if it is just WOW, I definitely don't want to do X.

I think the idea behind wanting applicants to have a range of experience is so that they are not just going in with tunnel vision. They'd rather their students all the options available and make an informed decision. Also, I don't think they want students coming into vet school thinking that because they want to practice food animal medicine that they won't have to learn the other stuff.

I think you're doing a good job - I wish I had the experiences you've had!

 

[twelvetigers]

The only reason that so many of us have/had a job to acquire the vet/animal experience is because it's so much easier to get paid for it. The hours are tracked for you, you get LOTS of hours, and you have a paycheck for your time. That doesn't mean that shadowing is any less valuable. In fact, it may be a better option because you aren't always having to "earn your keep" by cleaning and walking dogs and hustling around... you get to sit calmly and actually pay attention to what's going on, and you can ask lots of questions and stuff without having to stop and, say, answer the phone or see to a client. Really, we get jobs because it's easier for us to do it that way, but shadowing is a great way to get good experience. Plus, you might get hired somewhere that you shadow if they like you & they're looking to hire. 🙂

 

[david594]

That doesn't mean that shadowing is any less valuable. In fact, it may be a better option because you aren't always having to "earn your keep" by cleaning and walking dogs and hustling around... you get to sit calmly and actually pay attention to what's going on, and you can ask lots of questions and stuff without having to stop and, say, answer the phone or see to a client.

I 100% agree with you on that one. I work my 40 hours a week with my vet jobs, but still come in to "shadow" for surgery whenever I can. My boss realizes that I am not on the clock and will let me assist however possible so I am getting something out of the time(even though he is normally a one man show in surgery).

 

[Angelo84]

Those activities are great. I would likely call them volunteering rather than shadowing as you were actively assisting the vets as opposed to merely watching. But that is just my opinion. I had one paid job (sm animal) with lots of hours and then volunteered with an equine vet, zoo, research, behaviorist, and an alternative vet which ranged from 40 hours to 250. Just make sure you log your hours and write down what you did as you do it--it'll make your life easier when your filling out applications.

Good luck!​

 

[charismarl]

I agree, I would call it volunteering (but it obviously still goes under vet experience category on the VMCAS) and I would keep a detailed log of your hours and what you did and what you saw. A lot of interview questions will stem from your experiences/special situations you were in and what you did in that situation or what you would have done better. I would review possible interview questions and keep them in mind as you do whatever it is that you do. Also, networking is very important and it might not be a bad idea to ask one of these vets you are volunteering for to write you a LOR (possibly an additional one to send in non-electronically)...it may stand out to them that you were dedicated enough to give up a lot of your free time to do unpaid work. Keep on it!

 

[littlehooves]

Most of my veterinary experience is shadowing and volunteering at clinics. Up here thats what a large part of applicants have as experience.

I was working at a clinic- but the only jobs available for students are receptionists or kennel attendants, and in some cases vet assistant. I was stuck up at the front all the time dealing with clients (which mind you is great experience), but I found I missed out on cool surgeries or procedures when I was working. So I started coming in on my days off so I could watch (and help!) with the fun stuff and not feel guilty about running away from the other receptionists, down to the surgery rooms! 🙂