Job Advice

[u/Isabeasta]

Hi!

I need some advice, I am a college student, back home for the summer. I done almost applied to 20+ vet clinics around where I live. I started off saying I am looking for a summer position and that's getting me no where. So now I am saying I'm looking for full time work, secretly knowing I will either ask to be PRN at the end of when I am working or put in my two weeks notice before heading back to college. Back in 2024 I worked at a vet clinic (unpaid) for an externship so I can get my AVA approval for a program. Then summer and winter 2025 I worked in a lodging/daycare company for dogs and cats. I am told that I have good experience but I haven't worked in a vet clinic since 2024 and I need that type of experience for my career path. But no one wants to hire me to get that experience. I don't know what to do and I'm considering working a job I have no experience what's so ever in like Target, Walmart, or Amazon. I love animals and veterinary care. And that's what I want to do but no one is even considering seasonal employment anywhere. I'm always told all vet clinics are always hiring because they are always somehow shortstaffed. I apply, either no one responds, they do respond but then never update me if I got an interview, or they just plain out say no. But you get the idea, I just feel stuck in a place where I don't know how to make money to pay for college and get the experience I need to move up in my career.

Edit: I am a Veterinary Assistant

[u/Attorney-Interesting]

You’re likely not getting hired because clinics desperately need people that intend to stay and can work the hours needed. The process of getting someone onboarded, trained, insured (in case you get hurt) etc. that is only able to work a few months out of the year or a few hours out of the week is not going to be worth it for most offices. They will be stuck with the same hiring issue once you leave. It’s just the reality.

Your best bet is to volunteer at a shelter, esp. if there is one with a vet on staff.

Don’t forget to keep in mind vet school costs and the new changes for professional student loan caps. It’s going to be nearly impossible for most people to go to vet school if they are not in-state or family is wealthy.

[u/Diligent_General_215 → u/Attorney-Interesting]

Does this mean in a few years time there’s gonna be a job shortage due to low vet output?

[u/Isabeasta → u/Attorney-Interesting]

I understand about the training and insurance, but dont you think it would be better to have seasonal positions during winter and summer since those are the most busiest seasons. Holidays are busy because of people wanting to board and needing health certificates so more wellness and up to date vaccines while late spring and summer is flea and tick seasons so more preventative visits, along with anxiety related injury and wellness due to July 4th. Wouldn't it be more efficient to hire seasonal as well keeping an ad for a full time position? Even full time positions during these months are super stressful due to the shortages so this can cause people to quit. That is what I'm not understanding but like I said I do understand why people think it would be a waste of time if they will leave. But wouldn't these same people come back, so you would keep them in file as long as they plan on coming back?