Week 2 - Navigating Your Veterinary Career: Flexibility, Motivation, and Personal Wellbeing

Entering veterinary school is the start of an incredible journey. One filled with opportunities to shape your career, challenges that test your motivation, and lessons in taking charge of your future. As we look toward 2025 and beyond, the landscape of the veterinary profession is evolving. Below, we explore three key themes for today’s veterinary students: career direction and flexibility, intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, and personal responsibility for career and financial wellness. Throughout, we’ll weave in the latest research and statistics to give you a current, realistic, and hopeful picture of what lies ahead.

Embracing Career Exploration and Flexibility in Vet Med

One of the greatest strengths of a DVM degree is its versatility. Veterinary medicine is much more than private practice, and your career can take many directions. While the majority of veterinarians (around 80%) work in clinical practice, treating pets or farm animals, a significant number serve in other sectors – from public health and food safety to academia, research, and industry. In fact, as of 2022 the U.S. had roughly 125,000 veterinarians across all roles, and this workforce is growing to meet new opportunities.

Job outlook remains very strong. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, employment of veterinarians is expected to grow about 10% from 2024 to 2034, which is “much faster than average” for all occupations. This translates to thousands of new openings each year as demand for animal care rises. It’s no wonder that Indeed.com recently ranked “Veterinarian” as the “Best Job of 2025,” noting the surge in openings and attractive salaries in the field. Indeed’s data showed a 124% increase in vet job postings from 2021 to 2024, with a median salary around $140,000 reflecting how sought-after veterinary professionals are in today’s job market.

Beyond private sector jobs, there’s heightened attention on whether enough new veterinarians are entering the profession. A 2024 study commissioned by the AAVMC projected a potential shortfall of about 17,000 veterinarians by 2032 if current trends continue. Factors like a growing pet population, advances in veterinary care, and expanding services are driving the need for more veterinarians. To respond, the profession is looking at solutions: increasing class sizes, utilizing veterinary technicians and technology more effectively, and crucially, prioritizing veterinarian wellbeing to reduce burnout and keep vets in the workforce. For students, this means you’re entering a field with high demand and many possibilities, but also a field actively working to ensure it can retain talent and support new graduates.

New veterinary schools and career paths: This growth period has sparked expansion in veterinary education. In addition to the 34 accredited U.S. veterinary colleges today, there are around a dozen new veterinary schools proposed or in development. As these come online, you may see more spots in vet programs and potentially new curricular focuses, such as on rural medicine, shelter medicine, or research. More than ever, you can shape a career that fits your passions. Love research or public health? Roles with government agencies, like the USDA or CDC, or in industry might beckon. Passionate about education? Academia and teaching need veterinarians too, a noted concern is even a shortage of veterinary educators in the near future. Enjoy variety or non-traditional work? Emerging fields like wildlife conservation, aquatic animal medicine, and One Health initiatives provide alternative pathways. The key is, your DVM can open many doors, and it’s okay if your interests evolve during school. Many students start vet school set on one path, and discover new interests along the way. Flexibility is part of the journey. The profession needs all kinds of veterinarians, and there is growing recognition that non-traditional careers are just as valuable as private practice.

Even within clinical veterinary medicine, there’s ample room to pivot and grow. You might begin in general practice and later pursue a specialty or a different species; or start in a rural mixed-animal clinic and later move to an urban small-animal hospital, or vice versa. Some veterinarians move into shelter medicine, laboratory animal medicine, or policy work after years in practice. Others find fulfillment in part-time or relief work that allows better work-life balance. The takeaway for students: you’re not locked into one path. Your veterinary career can be a “jungle gym” rather than a ladder, and the skills you acquire in vet school will be transferable to many roles. Don’t be afraid to explore electives, internships, and mentorships in different areas while you’re in school, they can reveal passions you didn’t know you had.

Finally, remember that career exploration is a lifelong process. Even seasoned veterinarians continually learn and make adjustments to align their work with their values and life circumstances. The good news is that veterinary unemployment is very low and salaries are rising, especially in companion animal sectors. The AVMA reports that new graduates in recent years enjoy strong starting salaries (around $120,000 on average in 2024) and a debt-to-income ratio improving for many. With pets in over 3/4 of U.S. households and pet spending rebounding, the long-term outlook is positive. So dream big about where you want to take your DVM, the profession’s growth and flexibility are on your side.

(For more about the range of veterinary careers and guidance on planning your path, the AVMA offers a wealth of resources for students and new graduates)

Finding Your “Why”: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

Veterinary school is challenging. Academically, emotionally, and financially. In tough moments (late-night studying, difficult clinic rotations, or worrying about loans), it helps to reconnect with why you chose this path. Psychology research distinguishes between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Both play a role in our lives, but current findings suggest that leaning into intrinsic motivation can boost your success and well-being as a student.

Intrinsic motivation is your passion and purpose. For many vet students, it’s the love of animals, fascination with medicine, or a desire to help others that truly drives them. Studies have found that students often rate intrinsic factors, like interest in the subject, as more important than extrinsic factors such as salary prospects when choosing their field. In other words, your genuine interest in animal health and science likely played a bigger role in getting you here than the promise of a high income. That’s a good thing, because research shows intrinsic motivation correlates with deeper learning, better persistence, and greater satisfaction. Students who find personal meaning in their studies tend to engage more fully and handle stress better. One recent educational psychology study noted that intrinsic motivation supports sustained effort and lowers the likelihood of burnout, since you find reward in the process of learning itself rather than just the outcomes. Think of it as the difference between enjoying the journey versus only focusing on the destination. If you derive joy or fulfillment from what you’re learning and the skills you’re building, you’ve got a wellspring of energy that can carry you through challenges.

Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, includes things like grades, class rank, awards, or even the expectations of others. These can certainly spur you to work hard. For example, wanting a good grade might push you to study longer. Extrinsic factors aren’t “bad”; financial goals and academic honors have their place, and we all have them. But be mindful of relying on extrinsic motivation too much. Studies caution that an overemphasis on external rewards can lead to stress and inconsistent engagement. For instance, if a student is motivated purely by fear of failure or by competition, their effort might fluctuate or collapse when those external pressures change. In veterinary school, this might manifest as burnout if you’re only fueled by the next exam score or the need to “not fall behind." It’s hard to sustain that for four years, and it can sap the joy out of learning. In fact, research on motivation and burnout. even in other demanding fields like athletics, has found that intrinsic motivation is a protective factor against burnout, whereas strong external motivation correlates with higher burnout levels. The likely reason is that if you truly love what you’re doing, the adversity feels more worthwhile, even energizing, whereas if you’re only doing it for an external payoff, the struggles can feel empty or overwhelming.

One way to fortify your intrinsic motivation is to regularly remind yourself of your personal “why.” Maybe it’s the memory of a pet or mentor who inspired you, a fascination with pathology, or the vision of yourself making a difference in your community’s animal welfare. These internal motives are like fuel for your resilience. Interestingly, a recent study encouraged vet students to articulate their “picture of purpose," essentially identifying their intrinsic reasons for pursuing veterinary medicine and suggested that doing so early can improve their engagement and help guard against stress later on. Even if you started vet school with sky-high intrinsic motivation, it’s normal for it to wax and wane. Long hours and tough semesters can dampen anyone’s enthusiasm temporarily. When that happens, try to reconnect with the aspects of veterinary medicine that genuinely excite you: volunteer at an animal shelter, shadow a veterinarian in a field you find interesting, or dive into a project on a topic you love. These experiences can rekindle your passion and make the day-to-day grind feel more meaningful.

Of course, you can’t ignore extrinsic realities like exams or finances, nor should you. The key is balance. Use external goals as structure (e.g., setting a goal to earn a scholarship or pay off a certain amount of debt can be a positive motivator), but anchor your overall drive in intrinsic values. For example, studying hard for boards because you value being a knowledgeable, capable doctor is both an intrinsic and extrinsic blend that can enhance your determination more healthily than studying just to score higher than your classmate. Likewise, thinking about income isn’t wrong, but studies show that students who focus primarily on personal growth and learning tend to perform better and feel happier than those fixated solely on grades or future earnings. In short, keep your eyes on the prize, but also on the purpose. When you nurture your love for the work itself, you’re building a foundation of long-term satisfaction and resilience that will carry into your career.

Owning Your Future: Personal Responsibility for Career, Finances, and Wellness

As supportive as the veterinary community is, no one cares about your future as much as you do. That’s actually empowering: it means you have the ability, and responsibility, to steer your life in a positive direction. Let’s talk about what personal responsibility looks like in terms of your career development, financial wellness, and mental health as a veterinary student and future DVM.

Career ownership: Taking personal responsibility for your career means being proactive and intentional. Yes, utilize your school’s resources and listen to mentors, but remember that you drive the journey. Seek out experiences that align with your goals. Apply for that internship, join that student club, attend conferences or webinars. If you’re unsure of your direction, take initiative to explore, reach out to alumni or professors doing work that interests you, or use tools like the AVMA’s career webinars and mentorship programs. The veterinary field today has many new niches, so part of owning your career is staying informed about emerging opportunities. For instance, if you have an interest in practice ownership or entrepreneurship, start learning about business management early. If global veterinary work calls to you, research international programs or the AVMA’s international opportunities board. No one will hand you your dream job, but they will help you if you show motivation. As the AVMA Career Center slogan puts it, take charge of “navigating career decision-making” – use the available resources, but chart your course confidently.

Personal responsibility also means acknowledging when you need to adjust course. Perhaps you realize your original plan isn’t fitting your life or making you happy, it’s okay to pivot. Taking ownership might involve difficult decisions, like switching focus or seeking additional training, but it also means you won’t stay stuck in a situation that isn’t right for you. You have the agency to reshape your career to better suit your evolving priorities. The veterinarians who thrive in the long run are often those who actively craft their careers rather than just passively drifting. And remember, your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking responsibility includes pacing yourself and planning for longevity (burning out in 5 years by overloading on work is not the goal!). Which brings us to another facet of personal responsibility: caring for your well-being.

Financial wellness: It’s no secret that veterinary school is expensive, and many graduates carry significant student debt. Part of being a responsible professional is managing your finances and making a plan for debt repayment. It might not be fun to think about as a student, but start educating yourself now. The average veterinary graduate in recent years has about $150,000 to $180,000 in student loan debt, and about 1 in 3 new veterinarians owe over $200,000 by graduation. These numbers can sound intimidating, but knowledge is power. Learn about income-driven repayment plans, consolidation vs. refinancing, and loan forgiveness programs. Also, live within your means as much as possible during school and early career. Small choices (budgeting groceries, limiting credit card use) add up and can prevent financial stress from snowballing.

The good news is that starting salaries for veterinarians have been rising, and the debt-to-income ratio for new grads is slowly improving with incomes increasing. As of 2024, over 58% of new grads had a debt-to-income ratio below 1.5, which is a positive trend. But whether your debt is $50,000 or $300,000, the principles are the same: take responsibility for understanding it and making a realistic plan. The AVMA provides personal finance tools and even a digital budgeting app for veterinarians. Take advantage of these resources. If finances are a source of anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek advice. Many schools have financial aid counselors, and organizations offer free student debt guidance. Being proactive about money matters will reduce stress and give you a sense of control over your future. Remember, financial wellness is part of overall wellness, by facing it head-on, you’re setting yourself up for a more secure and satisfying career.

Mental health and well-being: Finally, and perhaps most importantly, personal responsibility extends to caring for yourself. Veterinary medicine is deeply rewarding, but it can also be emotionally taxing. Studies in recent years have shed light on the mental health challenges in our profession, from burnout and compassion fatigue to anxiety and depression. Alarming statistics have made headlines. For example, roughly 30-40% of veterinarians report experiencing high levels of burnout and emotional exhaustion, according to a 2023 Merck Animal Health study. About 1 in 3 veterinary professionals have even considered leaving the field due to burnout or mental health struggles. These numbers underscore that wellness isn’t a “nice-to-have,” it’s a “must-have.”

The responsibility part comes in recognizing that you have a role in your own well-being. This doesn’t mean you alone are to blame if you feel burnt out – not at all. Veterinary workplaces and the profession at large carry a responsibility too, and encouragingly, there’s movement on that front (more on that in a moment). But as Dr. Addie Reinhard of MentorVet wisely noted, achieving a healthy balance requires effort both at the workplace level and the individual level. You can’t control everything about your future job or the clients you meet, but you can control how you cope, set boundaries, and seek support. Taking personal responsibility for your mental health might mean learning to say “no” when you’re at capacity, or committing to self-care routines (exercise, hobbies, adequate rest) even when you’re busy. It means being honest with yourself and others if you’re struggling – and not hesitating to reach out for help. Many vet students and vets have found solace in talking with peers (sometimes informally, sometimes through groups like Not One More Vet), or speaking with a therapist. There is zero shame in this; in fact, it’s become far more normalized. In 2023, 25% of veterinarians reported they were actively receiving counseling, up from just 13% in 2017. And 73% agree that mental health treatment helps vets lead normal lives, a positive shift in attitudes since a few years ago. This cultural change means resources are expanding – more employers offer mental health coverage now (52% of vet employers in 2023, versus 44% in 2017) and Employee Assistance Programs. When you enter practice, know these benefits exist and don’t hesitate to use them. Even in vet school, most campuses have counseling and wellness programs tailored to the intense stresses of professional training.

Beyond formal support, taking care of your well-being involves building habits and a community that sustain you. Find your support system. Friends in and out of vet med who you can lean on, family, professors, or online communities of vet students. People who remind you that you’re not alone in what you feel. Engage in activities that recharge you and reinforce an identity beyond “vet student." These are not indulgences; they are lifelines that make you a stronger student and a more empathetic future doctor. Interestingly, recent research from the Merck Wellbeing Study IV found that vets who reported higher well-being weren’t those with no stress at all, but those who had active coping strategies and a balanced life. In contrast, one of the strongest predictors of distress was the personality trait of neuroticism, something partly out of one’s control, but which can be mitigated by self-awareness and possibly counseling. The takeaway: know yourself and what you need to stay healthy. If you’re someone who tends to stress, acknowledge that and be proactive in stress management; if you know isolation makes you depressed, make it a point to connect with classmates or mentors regularly. Owning your wellness is about being an advocate for yourself just as fiercely as you will advocate for your patients.

Finally, while “personal responsibility” is the theme, remember that personal responsibility also means knowing your limits. It’s not all on your shoulders. Part of being a responsible professional is encouraging a healthy environment around you. That could mean starting tough conversations at work about workload or boundaries, or contributing to a culture where colleagues look out for each other. The veterinary profession is increasingly aware of the toll it can take, and there is a push to improve work conditions – from manageable hours and support staff utilization to mentorship for new grads. You, as the upcoming generation, have a voice in this. By prioritizing your own well-being and speaking up for positive changes, you help create a better profession for everyone.