There are many things that a person can do to gain an edge in their professional life as they attempt to grow and develop their career. However, there are some things that a person can only learn through personal experience . . . and sometimes the experience of other people.
It is this second category that I would like to delve with this article. Specifically, I would like to share some pieces of career advice and wisdom that I have gleaned during my 25 years as an Animal Health recruiter and Veterinary recruiter. This is advice and wisdom that I have accumulated by helping and trying to help thousands of professionals during the course of my career. (I say “trying to help” because not everyone that you offer to help actually accepts your offer.)
Nuggets of Animal Health and Veterinary career wisdom
This is an appropriate time to share this advice, considering the current state of the job market, especially within the Veterinary profession. That is because we are very much in a candidates’ market, where there are plenty of employment opportunities and options, especially for the very best candidates. There is no better time to grow your career than right now.
With all of this in mind, below are five pieces of timeless wisdom to grow your Animal Health or Veterinary career:
#1—If you don’t run your career, your career will run you.
In a nutshell, this is the difference between being proactive in your career instead of being reactive. When you are proactive, you make things happen. When you are reactive, you allow things to happen to you.
It’s difference between having leverage and not having leverage. When you have leverage, you are able to move from a position of strength. When you do not have leverage, you are forced to move from a position of weakness.
And yes, when you are proactive, sometimes you make mistakes. But it has been my experience that good things happen far more frequently than bad things. When it comes to your career, you must be intentional, and that includes intentional about exploring other employment opportunities.
#2—Do not allow someone else to derail your career.
Here is a great quote by American self-help author Napoleon Hill that sums this point up perfectly:
“No one can cause you to have any kind of emotional reaction without your first giving them permission to do so. You alone are responsible for your feelings and emotions. When you know what you plan to do with your life, you will not allow annoying situations to deter you from your goals for long. If you set ambitious goals for yourself and work enthusiastically toward them, you will quickly realize that you do not have time to allow petty annoyances to upset you and keep you from your objectives.”
Stay focused and stay on task to meet your career goals and reach your full professional potential. Do not allow others to distract you!
#3—You are your happiest when you are productive.
American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker said, “If you don’t produce, you won’t be happy.”
Studies have shown that people are happier when they are being productive and feel as though they are contributing to something. Being happy is just one of the positive byproducts of productivity. Other positive benefits include greater self-esteem and a feeling of accomplishment.
This is a great reason to always be learning and to pursue continuous education. The last thing you want to do is become stagnant or stalled. That is how you get into a “career rut,” and once you are in a rut, it’s difficult to get out of one.
#4—Channel your excitement and your passion.
Think back to a time when you were really excited about something regarding your professional life and your career. What was that something? Why were you passionate about it? And are you currently pursuing that passion?
These are all good questions to ask yourself. Excitement and passion serve as the fuel for success. They create a self-perpetuating cycle of energy that can propel you through the ups and downs of any career. On the other hand, if you are not excited and you are not passionate about what you do, then the smallest of setbacks can send you spiraling into a tailspin.
#5—There is opportunity in chaos.
It is true that no one really likes chaos; it is human nature. Unfortunately, though, chaos is one of two things that are inevitable in life. (The other thing is adversity.)
There are two main things to understand about this point. First, there is no “perfect time” to do anything, and I am talking specifically about major life events such as getting married, having a baby, or starting a new job. Second, there is almost always opportunity in chaos. The key is to not focus on the chaos and instead to focus on the opportunity that may exist within it.
Bonus Animal Health and Veterinary career advice
Another piece of timeless wisdom is to build a relationship with an experienced and reputable recruiting firm that has a history of placing people just like you. A good recruiter will use their knowledge and experience to help you explore the employment opportunities that are available in the job market—opportunities that are better than the job you currently have.
The VET Recruiter has been helping professionals grow their Animal Health or Veterinary career for the past 25 years. We are a leader within the executive search profession and have a track record of success serving the needs of our candidates and clients.
If you’re looking to make a change or explore your employment options, then we want to talk with you. I encourage you to contact us or you can also create a profile and/or submit your resume for consideration.
We help support careers in one of two ways: 1. By helping Animal Health and Veterinary professionals to find the right opportunity when the time is right, and 2. By helping to recruit top talent for the critical needs of Animal Health and Veterinary organizations. If this is something that you would like to explore further, please send an email to stacy@thevetrecruiter.com.