What do veterinarians in corporate and public practice do?
Veterinarians are well educated and very flexible in the use of their skills and knowledge. Consequently, veterinarians can be found in a host of different positions in a variety of industries and venues.
Many industrial veterinarians are employed by veterinary product manufacturers as technical services specialists. They provide technical information and guidance to veterinarians, animal owners, and sales and distributor representatives. As technical veterinarians, they function as educators, troubleshooters, consultants, and advisors. Veterinarians with advanced training are desired in research and clinical development positions in both veterinary and human pharmaceutical companies.
You will also find veterinarians in management or staff roles for product production, quality assurance, product research, product field trials, marketing, sales, and general administration.
Veterinarians in industry have proven themselves as business executives when placed in positions such as General Managers, Vice Presidents, Presidents and CEOs. Most of the larger corporate practices are now managed by a team of veterinarians who sit on their boards and are the directors and managers of the overall business. You will find veterinarians in various roles in zoos, aquariums, feed stuff, manufacturing, publishing, foundation, human societies, livestock production facilities, and in biosecurity.
Veterinary positions are also open in academic teaching, the military, food inspection, the USDA, FDA CVM, state and local health departments, and association leadership such as with the AVMA and AAHA.
How can you prepare for a non-private practice career?
Your veterinary degree and licenses in good standing are the first steps. Beyond that, there is no one specific answer but some guidelines that may be helpful.
You will need to begin to add to your veterinary education by taking courses in business administration, management, negotiations, leadership, communications, marketing, finance for non-financial managers, business planning and human resources.
Often, you will find such courses being given at night at local community colleges and/or universities.
Having an advanced degree, such a MBA, is of course helpful, but not mandatory for most commercial entry-level positions.
You must have good communication skills - both oral and written and in today’s world, be computer/Web literate.
How do I obtain a position in industrial veterinary medicine?
There is a host of ways - the first being to watch the classified ads in the major veterinary journals. You may also go to the AVMA career center or check out the various resources listed on our own Career Center page.
The second way is to let your manufacturer(s) and distributor sales representatives know that you are interested in pursuing such a career.
You can also visit the Web sites of most major manufacturers and public organizations where there is usually a part of the site dedicated to employment with that company. Again, many of these valuable resources are found at AACPPV’s Career Center page.
Develop a professional resume (Curriculum vitae). There are various Web sites that offer templates. There are also companies that will, for a fee, prepare a professional resume for you. (See AACPPV’s Career Center page for resources.)
Check with your college contacts, as they are often aware of companies seeking staff veterinarians.
What can I expect in an industrial veterinary medicine career?
The first thing to realize is that you will not be freed from weekend work, nights, or early morning work.
You will find that in industry, your communications and interactive skills with people will be used extensively.
You will not find a 40-hour work week. You can expect to travel, sometimes extensively. You will not be home every night, and you will not be free of stress and demands upon your time.
You will find the professional application of your skills. You will obtain the benefits of corporate employment such as medical benefits, paid vacation, paid education, life insurance, retirement, and often a salary above the national average for practicing veterinarians. According to AACPPV’s most recent biannual compensation survey, the mean salary was $120,176.
You will often do things that will touch/influence all of veterinary medicine and find great satisfaction in a job well done.
What are AACPPV dues used for?
AACPPV’s annual dues are used to promote the interests of industrial veterinarians through a number of activities, such as networking events, biannual compensation survey, and a unified voice for its members.
I am faculty/staff or a research veterinarian at a veterinary college. How does AACPPV support my activities and why should I join?
The AACPPV supports the interests of all corporate and public practice, including those working in a college or university environment. Membership provides opportunity for peer networking and exchanges of information. There is not other specific association for veterinarians employed at universities.
Will my employer pay my dues?
Many employers will pay for AACPPV membership dues as an expense. In its 2003 Compensation Survey, AACPPV respondents reported that 83% of employers paid for its employee’s dues in AACPPV. Check with your employer and contact the AACPPV if you need any assistance in explaining the value of being an AACPPV member to your employer.
How many meetings does AACPPV hold each year?
AACPPV holds breakfast meetings during major, national conferences (North American Veterinary Conference, Western Veterinary Conference, and Central Veterinary Conference). It also typically holds its annual membership meeting and luncheon in conjunction with the American Veterinary Medical Association’s annual meeting.
Can I come to AACPPV meetings if I am not a member?
AACPPV non-members to attend AACPPV meetings and learn for themselves why it is essential that they become an active member of AACPPV.
