AVMA News

AVMA Convention grants opportunities to explore veterinary career options

Considering a new or different career in the veterinary industry? Wondering whether federal service is right for you? Maybe you need advice on negotiating a pay raise? Then look no further than AVMA Convention 2024, taking place June 21-25 in Austin, Texas.

Continuing education (CE) sessions covering many of the career pathways available to veterinary professionals are scheduled throughout the convention, along with networking opportunities and one-on-one career counseling. Consult the AVMA Convention CE program for a complete list of career-related programming. Following are highlights. All times listed are in Central Daylight Time.

The AVMA Veterinary Career Center’s annual Mix & Mingle is from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 21, at Trinity Street Foyer (311 E. 5th St.). The Mix & Mingle connects potential jobseekers with employers from across the profession. From active jobseekers to those who are curious about different opportunities, this is the best place to chat with employers from all sectors of veterinary medicine and meet the people who can help with the job search process.

Three Convention attendees study an event handout
The AVMA Veterinary Career Center’s Mix & Mingle networking event connects potential jobseekers and employers from across the veterinary profession.

In addition to the Mix & Mingle event, experienced veterinary career counselors will be available to meet with attendees looking for guidance and strategies to navigate their career paths effectively. Various topics will be covered during 25-minute sessions, including career exploration and goal setting, resume and cover letter optimization, individualized job search strategies, interview techniques and negotiation skills, and career advancement and professional development.

The career sessions will be held in the Career Corner, located on the third floor of the Austin Convention Center. Registrants for the Mix & Mingle will be provided an opportunity to sign up beforehand via an email link, as well as the ability to sign up during the Mix & Mingle, pending availability.

The following are highlights of career-related CE sessions:

  • “Career Changes in Veterinary Medicine” with Dr. Adam Christman, chief veterinary officer for dvm360, will provide attendees with tips and tools for identifying how to can make a career change within veterinary medicine at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 21.
  • “Meet Veterinarians Who Swear by Their Careers in Industry” is a chance to hear the stories from veterinarians who have made the leap from practice to industry. Why did they do it? How did they do it? What do they like most and dislike most about their position? The panel discussion starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 22.
  • “Careers in Academia: Innovative Options” will cover pathways to teach in veterinary schools where the only requirements are a veterinary degree and experience. A panel of four veterinarians will highlight the different positions and pathways within academia at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 23.
  • “Navigating Excellence: Career Mapping Strategies for Enhanced Employee Recruitment and Retention in Veterinary Clinics” will be presented by Dr. Kemba Marshall, founder of the Marshall Recruiting Consortium at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 24. Attendees with learn to build individual career maps to support business goals and effective business maps across a variety of veterinary roles.