Article in DVM 360

LINK TO ARTICLE


I was contacted by a DVM 360 writer in response to a blog post I wrote earlier this year about graduating veterinary students entering a tight job market. Here is part of the article below:

"Krissy, who will be starting her second year of veterinary school this year at UC-Davis, is already taking a hard look at the job market and trying to prepare herself the best she can. While her passion is equine medicine, Krissy says she is so worried about finding a job after graduation, she is also taking courses in small-animal medicine. 

"I have to make a living somehow. The debt we're supposed to have is roughly $200,000 and how are you possibly going to pay that back?"

"I think there's a big disconnect between the students and the schools. I wish the universities would do more to help us out," she says. "They're investing more in the future generation, but they're not here now. Why not help the people who are struggling now?"
Krissy says she suggested UC-Davis institute mentorship programs between recent graduates and current veterinary students at the school, but nothing has taken shape yet. There are few resources in terms of job placement and career guidance—or at least that students know about and regularly use, she says. 

Students who want to round out their education may have to look beyond university borders to professional groups and student organizations" 

I'm just now thinking I should try to implement a mentorship program with our graduating seniors this year. Maybe I could have them fill out a google doc anonymously reguarding if they are employed, perusing an internship/externship or don't know what they are doing. More to come later on this hot topic!