Mentoring

Corporate and industry careers in veterinary medicine offer fantastic and varied opportunities. A career in veterinary industry may allow you to lead and influence the entire veterinary profession. The excitement, the longer term and more encompassing goals, the servant leadership to the veterinary profession, and the pay and benefits allow you to experience a different type of satisfaction in your professional and personal life. And you will have the opportunity for unlimited professional growth.

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Interested in becoming a mentee?
Email us at aaivmentorship@gmail.com to get started.

Help others get into industry by becoming a mentor.
Fill out our questionnaire to become a mentor.

Become a Mentor

Mentoring Matters

"Being a member of AAIV and participating in the mentorship program has been a very rewarding and indispensable experience for me. My mentor, Dr. Smaha, took time to review my resume and to give me helpful tips and pointers along the way. Transitioning from clinical practice into my first industry role has come with a steep learning curve, but I am grateful to have Dr. Smaha's constant support and encouragement along the way."

- Elizabeth Mongol-Gunter, VMD

FAQ: A Career in Industry

Making the career transition from a clinical practice veterinarian to an industry veterinarian can feel scary or overwhelming because of the unknowns and unfamiliarity. AAIV has answers to some of the most common questions for clinical veterinarians looking to make that career jump to industry.

What does a career "in industry" mean?

A career as an industry veterinarian encompasses anything that is not traditional clinical practice. This could include:

Animal health companies (biologicals, pharmaceuticals, nutritional, medical devices)

Human health companies

Consumer pet companies

Laboratory animal

Research

Corporate practice management

Academics

Federal, state, and local government

Military

Marketing and advertising agencies

Publications (writing, editing, blogging, speaking)

Pet and livestock insurance

Nonprofit

Consulting

And wherever your imagination and ambition lead you!

What types of work do industry veterinarians do?

Research - biomedical, clinical, field, environmental, genetics, pharmacological, animal care

Business - intercompany licensing, mergers, acquisitions, negotiations, executive leadership

Regulatory affairs - product registration, pharmacovigilance, compliance

Product support - marketing, technical services, customer service, field sales

Research and development - production, project management, quality assurance

Communications- writing, editing, blogging, social media, public relations

How do you prepare for and find a job in industry?

Here are some ways to begin:

Try to gain some business experience according to your interests via internships, volunteerism or other programs.

Capitalize on speaking, writing and media projects.

Join American Association of Industry Veterinarians, via aaivet.org.

Network constantly, via professional meetings, local events and LinkedIn.

Look at company career portals and other animal health websites.

Consider every contact an interview and practice your "elevator speech."

What kinds of traits and experience do employers seek?

Employers look for evidence of leadership skills and the ability to work as a team player. Employers value a candidate's experience in veterinary practice and an understanding of or willingness to learn business principles. Excellent communication and analytical skills with problem solving abilities are highly valued.

You already have most of these traits and skills from your time in practice. You already provide excellent customer service, communicate with different types of people, solve problems, educate clients, handle complaints and explain complex concepts in an understandable way.

Need help getting started?

Career Resources

AAIV has put together numerous resources to aid you as you explore the career transition as an industry veterinarian. These resources include career options, preparation, career management and well-being.

View Our Resources