New backpack, new lunchbox, new school supplies and the annual essay entitled…”What I did on my summer vacation.” Every year, when August rolls around, these items are synonymous with “Back to School.” By the time we hit college, the Kanken backpack shopping and the essay writing typically disappeared, but along came the added stress of making sure that we made those 3 or so summer months really “mean something.”
In other words, it was time to find some sort of an internship, volunteer opportunity, or summer job that would give us some insight into the career path of our choice and help to build that ever-important resume (with some quality pool or beach time thrown in of course). I remember the race for most popular opportunities starting as soon as winter break was complete.
While months remained until those precious summer days rolled around, the need to obtain a position was urgent. While it could be considered a bit stressful at times, the search itself was often a rewarding educational accomplishment in and of itself. Somehow though, it always worked out…maybe I was lucky!
On the flipside, years later, it’s now part of my job as a Veterinary Career Specialist to coordinate summer jobs and externships for students, and I can tell you that little has changed since I was in the shoes of the student. Students still want an experience that is challenging, rewarding, and of course, a little fun! So, I work carefully to find the best job match for each of my students.
Some students come in unsure of what their 6-10 weeks of experience in a Banfield hospital will be like, and I love to see them come out of their programs with smiling, satisfied faces. Even more so, I enjoy knowing that they have gained some insight into what the career path they have chosen is really all about.
The majority of natural remedies for cystic acne head back to the classroom in the fall having not only been challenged and rewarded, but also having gained valuable experience and mentorship from an experienced veterinary team. What better way to test-drive an industry, organization, or career than to experience it first hand? Although these intense training courses may not be for everything, they definitely provide a lot of value for those students who may be unsure as to what they want to specialize in or what type of medicine they’d prefer to be practicing for the rest of their lives.
In essence, summer jobs are where the rubber meets the road. It is a chance to take that textbook knowledge and really put it to work outside the walls of the classroom or lab. So take the time to check out all of the opportunities that are out there and find one that really aligns with your goals. After all, those 3 months can really fly by and before you know, you are back on campus! Here’s hoping, that the summer job or externship that you decide on delivers on its promise to challenge you, reward you, and provide a little fun along the way!