Career fair reaches 500

Published on
information-circle This article is more than 3 years old

About 500 high school and undergraduate students and others with an interest in the veterinary profession—the highest number in five years—attended the Association of American Veterinary Medical College’s 2015 Veterinary Medical Career Fair, March 15 in Washington, D.C.

James Walter, director of admissions for Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, visits with prospective veterinary students at the recent Veterinary Medical Career Fair sponsored by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges in Washington, D.C.

The AVMA provides $5,000 in annual support of the career fair, and for the past three years, has sponsored a booth and chosen a speaker.

Display tables were staffed by representatives of 17 veterinary colleges, the AVMA, the Veterinary Medical College Application Service, and the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

At an informational session, Dr. Beth Sabin, AVMA associate director for international and diversity issues, told students how her early interest in science and animals eventually led to a fulfilling veterinary career that included molecular biology research and various positions with the AVMA. Dr. Ted Mashima, AAVMC associate executive director for academic and research affairs, shared stories about his earlier career as a zoo veterinarian and encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities.

One student asked, “How can I successfully become a veterinarian when it’s so competitive and so many people are focused on it from a young age?” Dr. Sabin replied, “I’m a perfect example that you don’t have to fit the normal profile. I applied to veterinary medical school later than most. Don’t let the hype stop you.”