If you're in high school, now's the time to start thinking about your future, especially if you plan to go to college. The steps you take right now can help you to get a head start on your eventual career. This is especially true if you want to become a veterinarian. Getting involved in veterinary internships while you're still in high school can open up opportunities for your future. If you thought you could only get veterinary internships during college, you were mistaken. There are plenty of internships available to high school students. You just need to know where to look to find them. Here are four steps you can take to help you find a veterinary internship while you're in high school.

Talk to Your School Counselor

If you want to participate in a high school veterinary internship program, talk to your school counselor. Your school guidance counselor can be your best resource and biggest ally when it comes to securing internship programs. Not only will your guidance counselor have access to information regarding veterinary internships, but they'll also have contact with local veterinarians. If you're not sure what you need to qualify for veterinary internships, your guidance counselor can help you with that information as well. 

Reach Out to Local Animal Clinics

If you want to land a veterinary internship while you're still in high school, take a proactive approach. Reach out to local animal clinics on your own. Make a list of the animal clinics in your area. Then, start making personal visits to those clinics. Before you go, sit down and create a resume for yourself. That way, you can leave one at each clinic you visit. Be sure to include information about extracurricular activities you're involved in. If you have plans to become a veterinarian after high school, document those details as well. 

Think Beyond Small Animal Care

If you want to add a veterinary internship to your list of high school accomplishments, go beyond small animal care. Many high school students limit their opportunities when they stick to small animal clinics for their veterinary internship searches. Maximize your opportunities. Apply for veterinary internships through local zoos and animal conservation centers. Those organizations offer summer internship programs that will expand your experience. 

Consider Out-Of-State Programs

Finally, if you want to gain experience through a veterinary internship while you're in high school, consider out-of-state programs. Many veterinary internship programs are offered through out-of-state summer programs, as well as through overseas internship programs.

Share