For many veterinarians, the thought of changing jobs can be quite overwhelming. There are so many considerations from confidentiality, hospital culture, compensation and career growth to name a few. The fact of the matter is that this your life and it is important to work in a hospital where you can not just grow, but thrive. And what this looks like for you can be completely different for another veterinarian. What makes a person tick is not universal. Some veterinarians thrive in a fast paced environment while others prefer a steady pace. Educating clients in a more thorough manner is a priority for some and not for others. Mentorship is another concern for recent graduates.
There are several overall considerations to brainstorm when thinking of starting the job search. These include:
- Describe in detail your priorities in a hospital and a position
- Describe in detail your priorities in life outside the hospital
- Think about where you see yourself in 5 years and work backwards
- Make a plan for the job search process and commit to it
- Consider working with career professionals
Once the process is started and the offers are being made, a new set of questions arise. Is this compensation package competitive, can I negotiate vacation time, can the offer deadline be extended, what else should I be considering?
If you’d like a link to our “Offer Evaluation Spreadsheet,” please let me know. It provides a structure for a comprehensive analysis of an offer and the structure to compare offers. It not only includes financial considerations but also hospital culture, work environment, facilities and equipment and lifestyle.