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Was supposed to go to vet school...got cold feet?


laurelee

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So for my entire high school/college life (maybe even since kindergarten.) I have been wanting to be a veterinarian. I worked my butt off in college (pre-vet studies) with a minor in business, and even had a ton of relevant extracurriculars such a large animal, small animal emergency, exotic animal experience, and leadership experience. However, I only got accepted to Ross Vet school (I was honestly expecting more, but my cumulative GPA was on the lower side, 3.5, with poor grades in organic chem...). I was going to go to Ross, but because of coronavirus Ross switched to online for the Fall. I felt that it was a waste of money, especially with how hands-on vet school is and the fact that Ross was charging the same rate as if I were in St. Kitts... they are also really expensive...

Instead, now I am in an one-year MBA program...scheduled to be done by August 2021...but yet I still have regrets. Should I have just bit the bullet and go to Ross...did I mess up by getting my Masters in Business? Do I still seem valuable enough to get into to veterinary school as long as I maintain my job at an emergency vet hospital? Anyone have any alternatives for an MBA major that loves animals? I just need to ease my mind a bit about my decision, any thought helps!! Thanks

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Vet school from what I have heard is a really big commitment and expensive. I wanted to be a vet until I was around 13 -one reason I did not pursue it was because there were not many schools/expense et (I am thrilled with what I did choose). I have a friend who has an MBA and worked in consulting for many many years. A few years ago she bought a farm and now is a dog breeder (with one breed, just starting out) so she is very involved in raising and caring for animals. I think she still does some business consulting. She was so so successful and she is brilliant and a lovely person (we were neighbors many years ago). I would actually google what you think you want to do. Plus I would look into volunteering at nonprofits related to animal rescue.

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Thank you!! I know the pay is much better for MBAs and the paths I can take are multiplied.. I actually do volunteer once a week at a bird rescue :) It is hard to go through it sometimes because I've manifested getting a veterinary degree for so long...I just hope this decision might be opening more doors than closing them.. thanks again!

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So for my entire high school/college life (maybe even since kindergarten.) I have been wanting to be a veterinarian. I worked my butt off in college (pre-vet studies) with a minor in business, and even had a ton of relevant extracurriculars such a large animal, small animal emergency, exotic animal experience, and leadership experience. However, I only got accepted to Ross Vet school (I was honestly expecting more, but my cumulative GPA was on the lower side, 3.5, with poor grades in organic chem...). I was going to go to Ross, but because of coronavirus Ross switched to online for the Fall. I felt that it was a waste of money, especially with how hands-on vet school is and the fact that Ross was charging the same rate as if I were in St. Kitts... they are also really expensive...

Instead, now I am in an one-year MBA program...scheduled to be done by August 2021...but yet I still have regrets. Should I have just bit the bullet and go to Ross...did I mess up by getting my Masters in Business? Do I still seem valuable enough to get into to veterinary school as long as I maintain my job at an emergency vet hospital? Anyone have any alternatives for an MBA major that loves animals? I just need to ease my mind a bit about my decision, any thought helps!! Thanks

 

Well, what do you actually want to do, career-wise?

It may have been more valuable for you to work for a little while and explore the different pet fields vs feeling obligated to throw yourself into a degree program

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I suppose I was quick about this degree program, but I am extremely unhappy with my job of two years right now (technician assistant) and wanted something more. Working in the veterinary field I learned is emotionally draining and those that do get little respect. I listened to my frustrations and maybe my decision to axe vet stuff all together was wrong because here I am, regretting things...

 

However, I do want to experience different career paths while I am still young, maybe I would find an interest in business elsewhere such as HR or marketing. I believe my MBA, even if it may seem like a rash decision, is a better way to spend my time than forcing myself to work in an environment where I would be unhappy.

 

I have dreams of owning a non-profit business, like an animal shelter, but I know having a sufficient income is important. Ideally, I would want a job that pays well enough where I can still dedicate my time to animals, without the emotional strain of being a veterinarian...if that makes sense...

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did I mess up by getting my Masters in Business?

 

Nah. It's viewed as a practical degree. And I think you're smart for not doing the online thing with such a hands-on program.

 

Do I still seem valuable enough to get into to veterinary school as long as I maintain my job at an emergency vet hospital?

 

Yes. You still have your coursework and your experience. Or you can do something semi-related, like get a job as an office manager for a veterinarian. You'll learn the ropes of the business and it will put you in a better position to open your own clinic or non profit.

 

If becoming a vet still appeals to you, save your money and go to vet school as soon as possible, before life starts saddling you with other responsibilities.

 

But if you do get derailed, don't fret. My cousin's wife went to veterinary school in her 40s or 50s (not sure which). Before that, she was always working with animals. Not sure what her educational background was, but by the time you're 40 or 50, it doesn't always matter. Life experience and work experience counts for a lot.

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I think that under the current circumstances you are making a smart decision. Keep in mind that if you really want to go to vet school in a year or so, you can. That door is not closed to you. Understanding business and having an MBA will always be beneficial for you, even if you do end up pursuing the vet path as most vets run their own practice.

 

Or....this situation can be a blessing in disguise for you as there are so many other ways to be involved with animals outside of being a vet that you might actually find much more rewarding and satisfying. One interesting thing about being a vet is that although you spend all day working with animals (who aren't really thrilled to see you), you don't actually have time for animals in any quality of time sense.

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I only know a few people who've graduated from vet school and it was a long, extremely expensive journey.

 

It really depends if you have the money, time and perseverance.

 

I think your MBA goals are more realistic and you can earn a great income after you graduate. Since you love animals, look into fostering animals and preparing them for adoption.

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Embrace your decision. Less than one year to complete your MBA isn't that long of a period, and you're still young, so your life can go in any direction from there, with continuing education if you choose.

 

There are other jobs working with animals that you might not know about. They won't pay as much as a vet would make, but can be rewarding. With a degree in Environmental Studies or any of the Biological Sciences, you could work for Customs and Border Protection as an Agriculture Specialist. From there, when there is a canine position available, you could apply. Their dogs sniff intl' luggage and foreign cargo. The State Dept. of Ag also has working dogs. For federal jobs, go to USAJOBS.gov. You might see jobs there you never knew existed.

 

You could also work as a Park Ranger at parks where wildlife is abundant. You could work for Fish and Wildlife. Another job is training guide dogs for the blind and service dogs for people who need a dog for specific tasks.

 

Good luck and keep us updated.

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