You’ve worked hard, invested in your education and training—and now it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Starting your veterinary career is exciting but also stressful. It can feel a bit overwhelming at times. The good news is, you’re not alone in these feelings and there is no shortage of resources to help along the way.  

The following tips can build a successful foundation and set you on the right path as you build your career in this incredibly rewarding profession.  

1. Build Your Support Network

You know how important a support system is in your personal life. It’s no different for your career! Building a network can go a long way to helping you feel supported and ready to navigate early career challenges. Here are some resources to get started: 

Veterinary Information Network (VIN): From everyday questions to clinical challenges, here you’ll find a community of veterinarians ready to share what they’ve learned and offer insight into any roadblocks you might be facing. Plus, you’ll find continuing education (CE) opportunities relevant to your interests.  

Support Groups: Social media is a great place to start for finding virtual or in-person support groups in your area.  

Buddy and Mentorship Programs: Check if your practice has a buddy system or formal mentorship program in place to guide you through onboarding challenges—and celebrate your wins! If they don’t, volunteer to spearhead the process. It can start with a conversation with your medical director to outline what you’d be hoping to get out of such a program.  

Classmate Connections: Stay in touch with your vet school cohorts. Who better to understand what you’re going through than your peers? 

2. Foster Your Work Relationships

Your relationship with practice leadership can greatly impact your career satisfaction. Every team member plays a role in contributing to culture. Cultivating trust and open communication works to create a supportive environment that enables growth and success for all parties involved:  

Honesty and Communication: Share your goals, concerns, and needs openly. Transparent communication builds trust and respect and helps you to reach your goals more effectively. 

Be Open to a Spectrum of Care: Avoid being stagnant in your approach. Embrace a diverse range of care approaches and discuss them with your leadership to align on practice values. 

Participate in Practice Events: Actively engage with your practice. Join fun outings or contribute to social media posts. These days, social media is filled with so much personality. Make sure yours is a part of it. Not to mention, doing so will be a great way to bond with your team and show your dedication to your clients.   

Share Your Knowledge: Everyone has a unique experience, you included! So, take heed to opportunities where you can empower your colleagues by sharing insights and skills. The ultimate goal is a collaborative environment that fosters autonomy and trust. 

3. Prioritize Your Wellbeing

You’ve heard the saying: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Finding a work-life balance helps you care for yourself—and your patients: 

Don’t Forget What Brings You Joy: Spending time with family, volunteering, traveling, and investing in hobbies can keep you grounded. We all find joy in different activities and living in a location that supports your lifestyle matters. Do you prefer outdoor activities with access to hiking trails and beautiful scenery? Perhaps the idea of building roots in a smaller community and building lasting connections suits you. We can help you find a hospital that matches your lifestyle and supports those activities that increase your wellbeing—and your joy!  

Plan and Take Your PTO: Using your vacation time to recharge and prevent burnout is important. Advocate for your mental health: Regular breaks will help boost your productivity as will unplugging for a bit.  

Financial Wellness Matters: Coming out of vet school often means being saddled with debt. Don’t ignore the toll that anxiety can take on your overall wellbeing. Get a clear picture of your finances: This includes understanding how your paid. Whether it’s salary, production-based, or a combination, knowing the details helps you plan effectively. Consider working with a financial adviser to create a budget, manage student loans, and plan for the future. (Some practices may even offer access to an adviser as part of your benefits.) 

Set Healthy Boundaries: Naturally, emergencies can occur at any time that will require your attention. But work with your clinic to build a schedule that works for you. In your off hours, focus on those activities that bring you joy! You’ll create a balance that sustains your career and happiness by integrating your work and personal life. 

4. Commit to Lifelong Learning​​

It’s an exciting time to be a vet, as newer technologies keep veterinary medicine evolving. It also means investing in your continuous learning is paramount. Continuing to learn and adapt ensures you remain confident and effective in your veterinary career: 

Take Courses: Enroll in continuing education (CE) programs to sharpen your skills and expand your knowledge. Added bonus? You might discover a niche area you want to specialize in.  

Finesse Soft Skills: Soft skills are a critical part of work life. Elevate your communication and leadership skills with dedicated courses. 

Be Open to Feedback: Constructive criticism is a crucial part of helping you grow. Try not to take such feedback personally—instead, view it as a growth opportunity to build upon.  

5. Stay Resilient and Confident

Starting a new career comes with challenges, but resilience and confidence will keep you moving forward. Both come easier the more you practice them. Consider the following:

Don’t Take Things Personally: Veterinary medicine can be emotionally charged. Whether receiving feedback from team members or clients, focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.

Be Confident: Your experience matters—trust your training and instincts! Approach your days with a willingness to learn and keep growing in your veterinary career. In turn, your confidence will inspire trust from both clients and colleagues alike. Resilience and self-assurance will help you overcome obstacles and thrive in your veterinary career.