Spring Quarter

Meeting 4

Reaching out to Clinics

Today’s meeting:
●Vet School responses to COVID-19
●Job Etiquette
●After the Interview/ What to Look Out For
●Inside Clinic Etiquette
●Building a Resume
●Writing a Cover Letter
●How to approach Clinics/ Research
●Working at Small Animal Hospitals
●Working at Pet Shops/Businesses/ Breeders
●Announcements
 Vet School’s Responses to the pandemic
● UC Davis:
○ “Many institutions are providing students the opportunity to take spring 2020
courses for credit/no credit, pass/fail, or satisfactory/unsatisfactory. When
given the option to take a prerequisite course for a letter grade, this is
preferred.”
○ “Prerequisites have been accepted for credit rather than a letter grade only
when the institution doesn’t assign letter grades. They will, however, be
accepted for spring 2020 semesters/quarters if students take that option.
Students are encouraged to consider how credit/no credit may impact their
GPAs (all science courses and the most recent 45 semester/68 quarter
credits) as they prepare for admission to the DVM program.”
Vet School’s Response
● https://www.aavmc.org/assets/site_18/files/vmcas/updates%20in%20cvm%2
0admissions%20policites%20due%20to%20covid-19_4.20.20.pdf
● Western University Pomona
○ Online Labs?
■ Yes, but only in certain circumstances:
● Online labs will only be accepted for science prerequisites
requiring a lab as long as the COVID-19 requires institutions to
be closed.
○ Relaxing Letter from DVM requirement?
■ We do not have specific letter requirements. We only recommend
that one be from a DVM
Covid Response/Job Etiquette
https://www.aavmc.org/assets/site_18/files/covid-5-12-2020.pdf

● When talking or reaching out to an employer its always to be better more

prepared than you may need to
● Speak or write formally and with respect
● Always follow up, regardless of the response you were given
Job Etiquette
https://www.rutgers.edu/news/four-tips-interviewing-landing-new-job-during-covid-19

● Attire
○ Blazer, Suit, Slacks, Button Up, or Skirt
○ Anything that makes you stand out
● Camera
○ Showing waist and up
○ Neutral Background
○ Look into the camera when speaking
● Miscellaneous
○ Stable Internet
○ Clear Audio
After the Interview Questions/ What to Look Out
For
● Some follow up questions to ask if they were not addressed in the
interview:
○ “What does do day to day tasks/ responsibilities look like?”
○ “What are your clinics values/morals? - “What characteristics do you look for in
employees to represent those values?”
○ “Is there anything on my resume that makes you question whether I am a good fit
for this role?”
● Warning signs to look out for during interviews:
○ Disorganization
○ Bashing other employees (current/past)
○ High turnover rate (lots of employees leave)
Building a Resume
What Should Go on Your Resume?

● Education
○ Include where and when you have graduated high school if you're still in college
○ Include college, degree and year of graduation
● Accomplishments and Awards
○ Include any awards that show you work hard such as scholarships, honors awards or
organizational achievements
● Leadership
○ Employers want to know that you can work with others
○ Include recent leadership positions or any leadership training you've attended
● Work History
○ Include other places you have worked, a brief description of what your
job was and the duration of you employment
○ If you're applying for entry level job or volunteering you can include your volunteer hours under
here
Resume Builder

● https://www.rezi.io/
● Google docs templates
● Canva
● Enhancv
Writing a Cover Letter
● Brief introduction about yourself
○ Include previous experience if any is
applicable
● Why did you choose this
position/company/clinic
● What makes you the best fit for
the position
○ Highlight relevant skills
● Thank them for their time
How to approach Clinics/Research
● KEY: Be CONFIDENT in yourself and your abilities
● Phone Call:
○ Stay brief with your message yet informative
■ Ex) “Hello my name is Carol Villican and I am a 4th year Biology
major studying at UCR, I am interested in the veterinary field and
wanted to ask if your clinic has any current internship or volunteering
opportunities”?
● If they say “no not at the moment” say “Thank you very much for
your help, I hope you have a good day”. Then hang up → but
DON’T give up
● Email:
○ Always state who you are and why you are interested (briefly)
■ Include a phone number so they can contact you if needed.
Inside the Clinic Etiquette
● Keep in mind that you are in someones practice, not yours
● Standing around is not helpful and neither is getting in someone's way
● Communication is key
● This is your place to learn so do not be shy to write things down and ask
questions when the time is right
● Put yourself in everyone else's shoes
● Have confidence in your abilities and confidence in where you need to
improve
Working at a small animal hospital
● Take a notebook and write down everything you learn (tx, medications)
● Ask questions at an appropriate time (usually once Vet is done)
● Important to remember frequent clients
● Be open to the concept of working your way up (start as intern/volunteer and
then ask if you can be employed at an appropriate time)
● Multitasking! Client in front of you is priority but you will have to attend client
on phone as well (you will have multiple jobs)
● There is always something to do!
● Every practice is different
Working at a Pet Shop/ Supply Business/
Breeders
● Being a veterinarian requires animal knowledge and business knowledge
● Working at a pet shop will give you more
experience with the business side of
working with animals
● You will learn how to work with people
that are concerned about pet needs such
as what to feed them, habitat, and basic
medical supplies
● Learn the supply chain aspect
Announcements
● Fill out survey attached to email if you want your year end gift!!
○ By Monday 5/25
● One more meeting
● Stay safe and healthy