Working while in vet school? Should I?

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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lailanni

lailanni

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Will I have time to work during vet school?

I've heard of several students holding part timey jobs in labs helping with research, so I guess it's possible?

I personally wouldn't want to do research -- I'd want work to be as different as vet school as possible for the mental break. Grocery store, pizza, coffee, waitress, etc. Unless lab jobs pay nicely......(doubt it!) And I'm under the impression that all neighboring vet clinics are already quite saturated with student help.

I worked all through undergrad and found it helped me prioritize my time better. Will I be so busy in vet school that working is not an option?

edit: Dream part time job - bakery help. I'm such a baking nerd.
 
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I'm wondering if I'll even have time to go to the gym and walk my dogs regularly. Work? Heck no. It's all about priorities and needs though, I guess 🙂
 
I had the same question. I think I'm going to wait till the second semester to decide. I wouldn't want to be stuck in a position where I'm always tired and don't have time to study. I know one vet student walks dogs for several people in the neighborhood, and another one works at the school's vet. hospital. I've never heard of anyone with a job that's completely unrelated to vet. med. I wonder how often it happens? Oh, and lab/research jobs can pay nicely. My friend (who's not a vet. student) earns $20/hr working for a professor at the university she just graduate from. She works full time and is taking a year off before med. school though--no prior experience in his lab.
 
only you will know if you can handle working while in school.

my first year, i had a job at the i.t. service counter in the main library. it was nice because it was something i knew, and they understood i was a student first. but...

i wanted to get some vet experience, so i found a job in a vet clinic. they knew i was a student, but they were in business to make money (go figure) and weren't as flexible with my schedule. in fact, they had the ultimate flexibility, i ended up not working at all.

then i stumbled into a job with the anatomy department, maintaining the website for our virtual anatomy museum. it's really hard to complain about this one - the money's good, i have a lot of creative freedom and a technical outlet, and they're really, really understanding when it comes to having to study. i work when i want to, or not. i still want to get more experience, but it's tough to convince myself that i'll do better elsewhere right now.

my point is an academic position was the best possible thing i could have fallen into. seems reasonable that i can put in 5-10 hours a week, even through my clinical years. 'course, i might think differently once i hit my clinical years, next year already - woohoo!
 
I have one classmate who works as a bartender on weekends, and another who works in a camping equipment store, so it does happen! The vast majority of my classmates who work do something related to vet med, though. Either they're doing something at school (working the teaching hospitals or helping professors with research) or they're working in private practices. For a lot of people, working with vet med in the real world keeps them sane through school, since they can easily see and remember their ultimate goal.

Working during school depends on if it makes you feel less stressed out (gives you a break, reinforces what you learn in class, gets you a little more cash) or more stressed out (takes time away from studying or relaxing). I've both worked and not worked, and when I'm not working I just spend more time goofing around and procrastinating. May as well make some money and be productive instead, hmm? 😉

Good luck!
 
I'm going to give it a year and then consider working 5-10 hours per week second year. I figure it will take at least half the year to establish new-and-improved study skills to handle the sheer volume of info thrown at me, plus time to make friends and such. A fair number of people (at Davis, anyway) seem to work at least a little, though.
 
I was concerned about working while going to school, but in the middle of first semester I decided I really needed to do SOMETHING to make at least a little money. I ended up tutoring online and it's amazing. Part of what I was worried about was spending even more time away from the house where my dogs are, but this way I get to work at home. Plus I get to choose my hours every week, so if there's a week I know I have a bunch of tests, I just don't sign up for any hours. And when I am working, if no one needs tutoring at the moment, I can do what I want (e.g. study) so long as I stay close to the computer. Oh yeah, and I can work in my pajamas. 🙂

While there are certainly jobs out there that pay more than mine, if flexibility with hours is your biggest concern, I highly recommend something like this!
 
.
 
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I'm thinking about babysitting or petsitting, but I probably won't do much more than that in my first year. Like someone else said, I want to make time to go to the gym. Sitting around being depressed about possibly not getting in for the past 10 months has not been good for me.
 
Hobiecat1642 said:
I want to make time to go to the gym. Sitting around being depressed about possibly not getting in for the past 10 months has not been good for me.
Click to expand...

OMG I know! Same thing happened to me...sigh, I feel so out of shape. 😳
 
How are we supposed to listen to your muscle memory on SDN?

...and I contemplate too much already, how bout' you just tell us all what you're clinging to if you think it's that important.
 
I actually have 3 jobs. I work at a church in town doing childcare when they have choir practice on Wednesday nights and Sunday night church. It's just usually like 4-5 hours a week max, so no biggie, plus if I have a test the next day, I sometimes can leave early if there's not too many kids. I've done it for the last 6 years, so I have some leeway. Plus I'm teaching a dog bite prevention class tomorrow night there for the kids, so I'm pretty excited about that! 😀

I also have a dog behavior consulting business, but I don't actively market that much any more, mostly just word of mouth. I'm also the Natura food rep for our school, which pays $250 a month 10 months a year and 2 free bags of food or cases of cans (which is worth an extra $80-100 a month if you have a lot of mouths to feed like me!). I just got that started the last few months and thankfully, I've gotten most of it taken care of during the summer, so hasn't been too hairy. I'd say that's about 15 hours a month of work doing orders, answering e-mails, that sort of thing. There's quite a few rep type jobs, so that may be another way to go besides working in a lab or clinic.
 
lailanni said:
Will I have time to work during vet school?

I've heard of several students holding part timey jobs in labs helping with research, so I guess it's possible?

I personally wouldn't want to do research -- I'd want work to be as different as vet school as possible for the mental break. Grocery store, pizza, coffee, waitress, etc. Unless lab jobs pay nicely......(doubt it!) And I'm under the impression that all neighboring vet clinics are already quite saturated with student help.

I worked all through undergrad and found it helped me prioritize my time better. Will I be so busy in vet school that working is not an option?

edit: Dream part time job - bakery help. I'm such a baking nerd.
Click to expand...

im in an australian uni, most of my frens hold some kind of jobs. one is a lab tech, a few have vet tech degree and work as vet nurses. i am working as a cashier at a travelling restaurant
 
I know you said you want an unrelated vet job, but did you try to inquire about jobs within the vet school itself? For instance, at Iowa, I know of couple job opportunities such as working for the vet school bookstore or the vet school pharmacy. The good thing about these types of jobs is that a) they're in the vet school, so you'll always be close by and b) the people running these jobs obviously know you're a vet student, so they're really flexible around your class schedule (they also don't expect you to put in many hours a week).
 
I work in the Clinical Pathology lab at VMRCVM and it's pretty flexible. It's actually an on-call position. Myself and 3 other students rotate a pager between us (2 days here, 2 there, etc) so we are never on call before exams, etc. If I'm working the weekend and there's been a LOT of calls, I might work 20 hours...but that's unusual. More like 5 a week. I've learned a TON too. Definitely gotten a leg up on Clin. Path. this spring.

I wouldn't recommend jumping right into a job, but after a little while (month or two) maybe finding something at the vet school. It may seem logical to want a break, but jobs here tend to be pretty flexible because they know you're a vet student. A restaurant or bar or something might not be.
 
OKSU has similar on-call positions in the clin path lab. You can't apply until after freshman year. You train full time during the summer and once you start, you get paid 10 hours a week no matter if you go in 1 time or 100 times. I think it's tough snot if you have an exam though, since a lot of exams happen at the same time and the other three students (two a year older) will have lots of exams too. It would be a bit hard sometimes, but it would never interfere with class or labs... just sleep.
 
I was actually hired October of first year and worked/trained pretty much whenever I wanted to for the rest of my first year. Some weeks I went in for 4 hours or so...and there were 2-3 week stretches where I didn't go in at all! Starting this past April myself and the other 2 new on-call techs took over call from the rising 4th year techs and have been on call over the summer. I chose to work fulltime in the lab over the summer because my other job options didn't pan out, but the other students haven't and just come in for call times. We get paid hourly for when we are actually here, plus we get $12 per on-call shift (2 shifts for a week night, 3 shifts for weekend days), whether we're called in or not. So that part is especially helpful. Oh, and they pay for driving time as well.

Like I said, I really enjoy this job and I've learned tons and tons. Especially in the last few weeks. There's a new Clinical Pathologist and she's way super helpful and a great teacher. 🙂
 
If you're already used to working during the school year in undergrad, you'll probably be fine working while in vet school. Like the others said I would wait until say October to get a job so you know you can handle it. I worked as a receptionist for the after hours emergency service at the teaching hospital and did some dog/cat socializing for our neuro and optho labs and yes I still had to time to go to they gym, have a life, etc. but I also missed out on a lot of fun social stuff (organized trips, SCAVMA symposium etc.) It really was nice to have the extra cash but I don't think I'm going to continue working after the summer is over. If you want something non vet school related I would definitely go for receptionist stuff at a hotel or apartment complex so you can have time to study!
 
I will probably not work during vet school unless I can secure a job like mine. Currently I work as a security officer on weekends in some empty office building. I basically just sit at a desk for 10 hours so it's extremely good for school. I actually use my work time to finish all my studies and use the rest of the week for leisure 😀

If you can find a job that lets you study, or a boss that'll let you study, then you can get paid and still finish your school work! 👍
 
Electrophile,

How do vet students become a company rep?
 
mekia02 said:
Electrophile,

How do vet students become a company rep?
Click to expand...


I know you didn't ask me, but I am a company rep, too, so I thought I could give one answer anyway. When the current company rep decides not to do it anymore (usually because they are entering clinics at UTK), an email is sent out to the students and people that are interested email back. Usually, a resume/CV is sent to the person in charge of hiring. There may or may not be an interview (mine was a phone interview). In my case, there was also a training session over three days, though I'm sure it wasn't required.
 
dyachei said:
I know you didn't ask me, but I am a company rep, too, so I thought I could give one answer anyway. When the current company rep decides not to do it anymore (usually because they are entering clinics at UTK), an email is sent out to the students and people that are interested email back. Usually, a resume/CV is sent to the person in charge of hiring. There may or may not be an interview (mine was a phone interview). In my case, there was also a training session over three days, though I'm sure it wasn't required.
Click to expand...


thanks for the info.
 
mekia02 said:
Electrophile,

How do vet students become a company rep?
Click to expand...

dyachei pretty much had it right on for most companies in our experience as well. For Natura, most of the vet schools (though not all) have the program. If they don't, I can put you in contact with who to ask about starting it. If they do, what I would do is when you're a first year, find out who the rep is and ask about the job since most people can't do it once they hit clinic time 3rd or 4th year. So there will be a new food rep every year or two. The thing with most of the rep jobs is that they usually turn over in the middle or at the end of the year and not the beginning, so brand new first years aren't usually eligible for rep jobs as far as I know. After a couple months or a semester is when companies usually start asking around.
 
I work in the Clinical Pathology lab at VMRCVM and it's pretty flexible. It's actually an on-call position. Myself and 3 other students rotate a pager between us (2 days here, 2 there, etc) so we are never on call before exams, etc. If I'm working the weekend and there's been a LOT of calls, I might work 20 hours...but that's unusual. More like 5 a week. I've learned a TON too. Definitely gotten a leg up on Clin. Path. this spring.

Bwahaha as do I...we *probably* 😉 know each other...this is Kris :laugh::laugh::laugh:
 
A lot of people in my class have jobs.. many of them as techs, we have treatment crews that help out the senior students, and students cover the reception desks and run the pharmacy during nights/weekends/holidays. The nice part about working at the hospital with these jobs that are designed for students (as I think someone mentioned), is that the hours always work around your schedule and for the most part they are pretty flexible. Also, a lot of the time they can complement all the stuff you're just learning in theory. I work in the pharmacy, it's great because most of your shift is free time and you can study or whatever (go on studentdoctor forums..), and get paid a ton.

I started working right at the beginning of my first year, which was a good decision for me. Even a little bit of income made a big difference to me, and first quarter was the easiest anyway, so it was good to get into the rhythm then.
 
So if someone doesn't work during vet school... how do you pay for things? I mean... do loans cover apartment/ room rentals? or how does that get payed for?
 
bumping this up because it's something I've been thinking of...

so it seems that the consensus is that working ~10 hours a week is doable during the first year? I know that it depends on the person... I've been doing 20 hours a week at a human hospital all through undergrad and it's been OK, so I think I can handle working really minimal hours during vet school. I just don't want to get in way over my head, so please tell me if trying to work is a terrible idea!

My other question is, have people done work-study for their on-campus jobs? How does the funding for that work? Is it part of the financial aid package? My school has a lot of work-study jobs (vet and nonvet related) that look fairly enjoyable - I'm just wondering as a grad student how one goes about getting a work-study award. Also, would it be possible to do some work-study work over the summer before first year, or would I be ineligible as I would not be a student?
 
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I thought work-study was only an undergrad thing?
 
According to Penn's website:

Penn/Federal Work-Study is a federal government and Student Financial Services subsidized work program, which provides on and off-campus employment opportunities to eligible undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.

So it seems like grad students can participate. I sure hope so🙁
 
So if someone doesn't work during vet school... how do you pay for things? I mean... do loans cover apartment/ room rentals? or how does that get payed for?

Yes! Almost everyone I know gets money both for living and for tuition. Assuming the EFC (expected family contribution) on your FAFSA is low enough. If you haven't had to pay income tax, or always get your tax amount refunded (aka you make only a couple thousand a year), your EFC is probably 0 or close to it.

I get enough money to pay tuition and live on approx 1,000/mo. Not a lot when 700 or so goes to rent/elec/water/basic internet alone, but hey, what can ya do. I live alone, so I make up for it by pulling in money by my odd jobs.

And yes, vet students can do work study. I did work study my freshman year. Basically,the government gives the school a certain amount of money (I was assigned $1,500) and you get paid at an hourly rate that your school employer set for whatever job you pick. The problem is, once you get paid over 1,500, the money starts coming out of the schools pocket, so you are generally limited in hours.
 
If anyone is interested in a logical argument AGAINST work study, check out Gunnar Fox's book on college success. I hadn't heard it before I went to undergrad, but I figured out after my first year I was far better off financially working off campus, but was locked into the work study program (though I used it for tutor/TA...jobs that I really enjoyed and helped me stay connected with campus and professors and provided actual professional development.)
 
There are a few schools that provide work study and a few pros/cons are:

PRO
-you may get a job at the vet school before a now FWS student, as it is a part of your financial aid package
-gives you a little extra cash, and may help get your foot in the door for a position (might be able to keep the job after FWS support money is used up)
-There may be jobs only avaibable to FWS students

CON
-Limits you, and you might be 'stuck' in a job you end up hating
-May be able to get higher earning potential off campus or else where
-Job classified as FWS may pay a lower rate., so the school can get you to work more hours for the amount the government gives them.
 
There is another con, which has to do with the ratio of expected income contribution from FWS (which is still taxed) vs other aid, which is generally not taxed, or not taxed as higly as income.

I don't have the entire con part memorized, but when I ran the numbers from undergrad, I wish Ihad refused FWS because it cost me in the end.
 
I plan to work at my current Vet clinic every other Saturday from 8AM until 1:30ish. I know several girls in vet school who are currently do this and it reinforces material. (One of the Vets I worked for recommended it too.)

I just had an offer to do some paid research at NCSU CVM with flexible hours, so I also plan to do that as well for a few hours every other week.

On average, I plan to work 5-6 hours a week between the two jobs.
 
Totally off topic. Sed2bncsudvm, I just saw "Apex, NC" listed as your location, and it tugged at my heart. I just moved out to Colorado from Pittsboro, NC. I am bigtime homesick! Wah! 🙁
 
LivestockDoc said:
Totally off topic. Sed2bncsudvm, I just saw "Apex, NC" listed as your location, and it tugged at my heart. I just moved out to Colorado from Pittsboro, NC. I am bigtime homesick! Wah! 🙁
Click to expand...

LivestockDoc: Pittsboro is so wonderful and I can understand the nostalgia. I love driving that direction down 64-simply beautiful. I will send some Pittsboro vibes your way. Enjoy Colorado and best of luck.
 
sed2bncsudvm said:
I just had an offer to do some paid research at NCSU CVM with flexible hours, so I also plan to do that as well for a few hours every other week.
Click to expand...

Ya, research in the vet school is always an added bonus (definitely if paid). It helps you get to know professors as well as get your foot in the door on possibly getting published before you graduate (which will help with internships and residencies later on). If you can find paid research, and don't mind doing research, DEFINITELY jump on it.
 
tiddlywinks said:
A lot of people in my class have jobs.. many of them as techs, we have treatment crews that help out the senior students, and students cover the reception desks and run the pharmacy during nights/weekends/holidays. The nice part about working at the hospital with these jobs that are designed for students (as I think someone mentioned), is that the hours always work around your schedule and for the most part they are pretty flexible. Also, a lot of the time they can complement all the stuff you're just learning in theory. I work in the pharmacy, it's great because most of your shift is free time and you can study or whatever (go on studentdoctor forums..), and get paid a ton.

I started working right at the beginning of my first year, which was a good decision for me. Even a little bit of income made a big difference to me, and first quarter was the easiest anyway, so it was good to get into the rhythm then.
Click to expand...

Human Pharmacy Techs?
 
Serendipity4 said:
I was concerned about working while going to school, but in the middle of first semester I decided I really needed to do SOMETHING to make at least a little money. I ended up tutoring online and it's amazing. Part of what I was worried about was spending even more time away from the house where my dogs are, but this way I get to work at home. Plus I get to choose my hours every week, so if there's a week I know I have a bunch of tests, I just don't sign up for any hours. And when I am working, if no one needs tutoring at the moment, I can do what I want (e.g. study) so long as I stay close to the computer. Oh yeah, and I can work in my pajamas. 🙂

While there are certainly jobs out there that pay more than mine, if flexibility with hours is your biggest concern, I highly recommend something like this!
Click to expand...

Mind if I ask for the website?
 
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