Externship and Summer Job Considerations for Vet Students

November 10, 2025

As a veterinary student navigating your path through school, you’re constantly making choices that will shape your future career. From selecting your courses to pursuing extracurriculars, every decision plays a role in preparing you for life as a practicing DVM. Each year, another important choice emerges: Should you pursue a veterinary externship or a paid summer job? 

Just like landing your first job out of vet school, deciding on your summer experience is a deeply personal journey. You want an opportunity where you can grow personally and professionally, gain invaluable hands-on experience, and discover what truly excites you about veterinary medicine. At Vetcor, we believe both veterinary externships and veterinary summer jobs offer unique advantages, and we’re here to help you understand which path might be the best fit for you right now. 

 

The Scoop on Vetcor's Opportunities: 

Vetcor's summer jobs and externships are designed to empower the next generation of veterinary professionals, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to thrive in your career and make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals and their human companions. Plus, each Vetcor practice is community-based, and our doctors make all medical decisions in-house, giving you exposure to diverse perspectives and real-world scenarios. 

P.S. Check out a full list of our 900+ locations across the U.S. and Canada on our website: www.vetcor.com/about-us/our-practices  

 

Summer Jobs: Your Early Career Launchpad 

For 1st and 2nd year students, a paid veterinary summer job with Vetcor offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in one of our many unique practice environments. This is a chance to build a strong foundation for practical skills and gain firsthand insights into daily hospital operations. 

• Paid Position: Yes, you read that right. You’ll earn fair compensation for your contributions while gaining practical insights.  
• Duration: Our summer job program typically runs from May to September each year, offering a sustained period to learn and contribute. 
• What You'll Gain:  
  • Enhance your clinical skills through active participation in patient care. 
  • Receive direct mentorship from experienced veterinarians. 
  • Develop essential professional skills in a real-world setting. 

A summer job is an excellent way to "test the waters," explore different areas of veterinary medicine, and start building connections that can last a lifetime. It’s an investment in your future, providing practical insights under the guidance of experienced professionals. 

 

Veterinary Externships: Polishing Your Clinical Skills 

As you approach the final stretch of your veterinary school journey and consider your post-graduation plans, a veterinary externship can provide invaluable, focused learning experiences. These are generally geared toward 3rd and 4th year students, offering a deeper dive into specific areas and helping you gain a well-rounded view of veterinary hospital operations. 

• Flexible Duration: Externships typically last between 1-3 weeks, and their scheduling can be flexible to coordinate with your academic commitments. 
• Certified Mentors: Vetcor is proud to have certified mentors who are eager to share their expertise and provide tailored guidance. 
• What You'll Gain:  
  • Access to a vast network of veterinarians eager to showcase their expertise and provide one-on-one mentorship. 
  • A welcoming and supportive learning environment. 
  • Opportunities to develop valuable relationships that could lead to future employment opportunities. 
  • First-hand development of clinical and practical skills in diverse settings. 

An externship allows you to discover various work environments and cultures, gain confidence, and see firsthand how different Vetcor practices operate. Our doctors make all medical decisions in-house, giving you exposure to diverse perspectives in community-based settings. 

 

Experience the Practice First-Hand: 

Ultimately, finding the "best" fit is subjective, and not every hospital is right for everyone. Externships, paid summer jobs, and shadow days are some of the best ways to experience a practice firsthand. These hands-on opportunities allow you to observe daily operations, meet the team, and see if the practice aligns with your values.  

Questions to Ask Yourself:  

• Do team members enjoy their jobs and collaborate on cases?  
• What happens when a team member needs help or advice?  
• Pay attention to your gut feelings – does it feel like a place where you can see yourself thriving? 

 

Ready to Make Your Summer Count? 

Vetcor's extensive network provides hundreds of externship opportunities and paid summer jobs. Engaging in one of these programs can significantly help you understand your preferences and identify where you can flourish. 

No matter where you are in your veterinary student journey, we have an opportunity that can help you grow. Don't let this summer pass you by without making a meaningful impact on your career. 

Join our Talent Community today or connect directly with our friendly University Recruiting team. We're here to help you navigate the exciting path ahead.