Welcome

Hello! Thanks for visiting my blog for the ROP/STC Internship Class sponsored by the Marin County Office of Education. This class is all about career management and learning how to adapt to a professional environment.

I am currently a summer intern at the Madera Pet Hospital located in Corte Madera, CA. I have had the privilege to work with amazing veterinarians and vet technicians and have learned so many helpful skills not only about veterinarian medicine but also about coexisting with peers in the work environment. The Madera Pet Hospital supports an enthusiastic community that works tirelessly to help the cats and dogs of Marin.

My Resume

Internship Description

As a high school intern at the Madera Pet Hospital, I started out observing and learning how the hospital operated. As I became more acquainted with how things worked, I was allowed more interactive jobs that directly involved the animals themselves.

Since a main concern was that, as an intern, I wasn't harmed by an animal during my time there, I was limited to what I could help with. However, I was able to view if not help with many standard procedures that included but were not limited to ultrasounds, dental surguries and even emergency situtations.

My supervisor was very supportive and recognized my eagerness to learn, so I was included in interactions with patients and their owners which was also a new experience.

The internship taught me many things about working with others and helping out no matter the job. It was exciting and there was always something new to learn and experience.

Organization Overview and Culture

The Madera Pet Hospital sports a very enthusiastic community that is inviting to any and every new challenge. There are ten highly educated doctors and they work together to solve difficult problems. The vet technicians are all friendly people who are very cooperative and are always willing to take on a project. The hospital is neat and clean and has a well-organized system that is extremely efficient. I was welcomed there with no reservations and people were open to help me learn. From what I saw and experienced the team of doctors and technicians form a serious but playful team with responsible people who are dedicated to their jobs.

Career Path to Top

A veterinarian is a physician who has been educated and trained to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals. Most veterinarians care for cats and dogs but may also specialize in care for horses, aquatic, and zoo animals. Veterinarians vaccinate, attend births, administer medication, perform surgeries, and provide general health care.

To be a vet, there are necessary skills required. You need to have an attention to detail, perseverance, and be able to work hard. You have to be involved, honest, and be able to work well with not only animals but people too. You also must be able to deal with matters such as incurable illnesses and euthanasia daily. A pro of this job is that it is emotionally satisfying and moderately flexible. However, the goal is very difficult to achieve because veterinary school is quite difficult and the financial rewards may not be as high as expected at times.

To become a veterinarian, it is important to start early and get good grades in high school. Taking biology and chemistry at this time is ideal for it prepares you for the rigor of the college courses required for a future career as a vet. It is also a good idea to volunteer at a local veterinary animal hospital to get some hands-on experience working with animals. It is becoming more necessary to prove your level of commitment and so working directly with a vet can be added to your experience.

The next step is to go to college. If the school you want to attend has a pre-veterinary program, then that is the path to take. If it does not, a major in biology, biochemistry, or another science is acceptable. It is essential to earn a very high grade point average in college and receive a bachelor degree. After this, apply to one of the 28 veterinary schools in the United States or perhaps in another country that offer the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree. After you graduate, you must take the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam to get your own license. In 2008, the California average annual wage was $63,569 for entry level workers, and $124,021 for experienced workers.

How My Internship Fits/Does Not Fit My Future

My internship is right on track with my future career for I am determined to become a veterinarian. I have always loved animals and being able to help them brings me great joy. I wasn't certain if becoming a veterinarian was going to be the right track for me until I started this internship and once I began, I still don't want to stop. I've realized that this is the path I want to take in life and now that I have a goal in mind, I am on the road to achieving my goals. This first step is a good introduction to my future career as a veterinarian.

Advice to New Interns

When you first walk through the door into your internship, remember that this will be a new experience and that you aren't expected to know anything. Relax and be ready to learn!

Don't be embarrassed to ask questions. If you ask, it means you care enough to know the answer and that enthusiasm gives confidence to others.

Be punctual and dress appropriately for it is a privilege that you are allowed to work alongside professionals and you don't want to waste their time.

Be productive and offer to help out even if you aren't asked to. Remember, this is your internship and you have to work to gain all the experiences you want out of it.

Always be courteous and don't forget to have fun!!