Paying for Vet School: Employment

Let’s continue to explore how to pay for veterinary school. The Cost of Attendance makes an attempt to estimate your expenses, although many times it’s an overestimate. Federal Student loans are awarded to almost everyone that fills out a FAFSA, 

but you have to pay those back. Is there a way to reduce your overall student loan debt? 

To boost income, look to scholarships first! But not everyone that applies wins the award. Next, here’s a question that requires active thought. Can I boost my income with employment during veterinary school? 

Choosing to work during veterinary school is a very personal issue. Your ability to work is  dependent on what the plan is for your future. Some people handle work during school with ease. 

Firstly, maintaining grades should be at or near the top of every student’s priority list. Few things are as costly, both emotionally and financially than repeating a grade or not completing veterinary school.

Secondly, your health and wellness should be considered, because of the rigors involved when attending a professional school. If employment is going to be considered, there are two common times when veterinary students work: 1) during the school year and 2) during the summer.

If you are considering an internship and residency or a postdoctoral training, your grades are of utmost importance. The selection process looks closely at your grades and these are very competitive. Recognize that every grade point still matters, if you are planning on additional training after veterinary school. Again, employment during the semester is not for everyone. However, if you are on the fence, here’s some information for thought. 

It’s not just about the money. 

There are experience and career considerations. A part-time job may be the key to unlocking a full-time career with that organization following graduation. Possibly, the experience gained helps you decide which career path within veterinary medicine to pursue after graduation. Students will often work for researchers and in laboratories or in animal husbandry positions to gain skills and experience in those fields. 

Next, employment is a great resume builder and shows that you can balance school, a work schedule, activities, organizations and student life. Some veterinary employers will look for applicants that are well-rounded and able to create a positive work-life balance.

If you do seek work during school here are a few things to consider:

• Is the job leading to a career?
• Are you deciding whether to pursue this type of practice after graduation?
• Can you study while on the job?
  • For example, scanning IDs at the library or recreation center?
  • Between checking out customers at the register? 
• Are the hours of employment flexible?
• Will you be able to reduce hours during testing periods and finals?
• Do you have a skill or degree that will allow you to earn more than entry-level positions?
• Is there work that you can do from home or during flexible hours?

Working during summer breaks is a great way to gain valuable experience in practice, explore different career paths and build savings for the semester. Here are some calculations on the amount of money you can make:

40 hours per week at $15 per hour x 12 weeks after taxes =  $5,760 

Veterinary school is certainly a full time job, but if you do choose to work during the semester, here is an example of your potential increase in revenue.

10 hours per week (one evening per week and 5 hours on a weekend) x $15 per hour = $150 per week  x 16 weeks of the semester = $4,800 per year or $3,800 after taxes.

There is a good chance that working limited and part-time hours could earn you $30,000 during your first three years of veterinary school. (You will be too busy to work during your 4^th / clinical year). This income could offset a significant portion of your student loans. Give it some thought, but be sure to make a calculated and intentional decision before choosing to work while you’re in school. 

The Veterinary Industry

Most veterinary companies with a vet school presence hire “student reps” to help on campus. These can be very good paying jobs, with relatively easy hours and tasks like organizing a meeting or sending emails! The first place to look for a job would be with a veterinary company that needs help! 

The Gig Economy

We’ve only considered the standard dollars per hour work that traditionally accompanies student work. The world has changed and many non-traditional jobs make up the new gig economy. 

What does this mean? This means you are paid more on the task completed rather than hours of work. You work as an “independent contractor” not as an employee. This inherently means that your hours are completely flexible.  You are your own boss! 

Examples of gig economy workers are rideshare drivers like Lyft and Uber.

There are other positions that may focus on your talents from data-entry to graphic design to social media account management. These gigs are literally as diverse as you are. Most can be done in your home, with the equipment you already have. It’s just an idea, if you want to boost your income, reduce your student loan debt, consider employment. But take all the precautions, don’t stretch yourself thin. And consider all of the possibilities before making a decision! 

Income During the Semester

Do you want or need a side hustle?

By now you should have assembled your monthly and weekly budget, set up an automatic transfer for your funds, and selected a technology tool for your budgeting. 

How does that budget look? 

Do your projections show that it's a little close toward the end of every month? 

Are you a little shocked by the amount of money that you are borrowing in student loans? 

Here’s a question, should you supplement your income during the semester? In other words, should you get a job? 

This is a loaded question for many veterinary students. Yes, your number one priority should be to excel at your schoolwork and learn how to be a veterinarian. If your grades are on the margin, or your internship  or residency is in question, then stop right here. 

However, if you feel comfortable with your grades, let’s discuss income during the semester. 

• Even working merely 10 hours a week at $15 per hour can offset the cost of food, groceries, and gas during the semester. 
• Moreover, for me, having a job during veterinary school was about keeping me out of trouble! Meaning that when I was at work, I wasn’t spending money elsewhere. Having to go to work in the mornings got me into bed at a reasonable hour and provided some structure to my life. I worked every semester during veterinary school, except for the spring semester of my 4th year. 
• Additionally, a job in the right setting can give you experience, knowledge and contacts to use going into your career.
• Having a job will also help build your résumé, even if it’s not veterinary related.  Showing that you worked during the semester will highlight your work ethic and drive. 
• Lastly, some jobs will allow you to study while on the clock. This is truly a no brainer! 

Do you have to get a job in the veterinary field? No, if you have another skill set, go for it, especially if it can be done virtually. 

Let’s brainstorm some jobs that may be possibilities for you! 

Here are the old standards for veterinary students: 

• Kennels, reception assistant for a local veterinary practice
• Animal husbandry for a local horse barn or ranch. 
• On campus job in university teaching hospital. 
• On campus job at recreation center, library, or office. 
• Research assistant in a laboratory around campus. 
• Server at a local restaurant 
• Home health aide - perfect for compassionate, empathetic people! 

These are other good ones for veterinary students:

• On campus student rep for a veterinary company. Pharma and nutrition companies will pay good money for you to organize events and send emails. These are competitive, so sharpen up that résumé!

Here are some new and evolving possibilities: 

• Social media account manager for a veterinary related company
• Freelance independent contractor using internet based skills - graphic design, web design, proofreading, data entry or many others, look on Upwork and Fiveer  
• Virtual assistant - answering emails and setting appointments. 
• Artisan on Etsy, Amazon Homemade

Here’s a few using the gig economy:

• Drive for Lyft or Uber. 
• Pet sitter, dog walker, house sitter, babysitter (your status as a veterinary student instills immediate trust) 
• Errands, cleaning, admin, on Jobrunners, Handy or TaskRabbit. 

The world is changing and so is the job market. Jobs are more flexible and more skills based than ever before. Take a few minutes to brainstorm the possibilities that are open to you. Then decide if you can spare the time, for the extra money. Just keep in mind that there are other benefits to working during the semester besides the money!