At The VET Recruiter, we believe that understanding what drives people is essential to placing the right people in the right roles. To deepen this understanding and cultivate ongoing engagement with our network, we recently launched a LinkedIn poll question designed to uncover what today’s professionals are thinking—and what they want from their careers.
Our recent poll asked a simple but powerful question:
“What is your top career goal for the next 12 months?”
Participants could select from the following four options:
- Learn a new skill or certification
- Get a promotion or take on more responsibility
- Transition to a new company or role
- Improve work-life balance
The results offer meaningful insight into the priorities of professionals today. Let’s take a look at the breakdown:
- Learn a new skill/certification: 30%
- Promotion/more responsibility: 9%
- Transition to new company/role: 43%
- Improve work-life balance: 18%
Let’s explore what these responses tell us—and what they mean for employers.
Transition to a New Company or Role
The most popular response, selected by 43% of respondents, was a desire to transition to a new company or role. This result isn’t surprising given the current state of the job market. We are continuing to operate in what is effectively a candidate-driven market, especially in the Veterinary profession. With demand for veterinarians, technicians, and skilled professionals outpacing supply, job seekers are increasingly aware of the options available to them.
Many professionals are evaluating their current positions more critically, asking not only whether the job offers fair compensation, but also whether it aligns with their values, career trajectory, and lifestyle. Dissatisfaction with leadership, lack of growth opportunities, misaligned culture, or chronic burnout are common drivers for seeking change.
As an executive search consultant and recruiting professional, I’ve seen firsthand how a growing number of candidates are not just looking for “any job”—they’re looking for the right opportunity. They want positions that allow them to grow, feel supported, and make a difference. Employers who hope to retain their top performers in 2025 must recognize this trend and be proactive in providing clear advancement paths, open communication, and an environment that prioritizes both professional and personal well-being.
Learning a New Skill or Certification
Coming in second, 30% of respondents cited learning a new skill or earning a certification as their top career goal. This speaks volumes about the ambition and long-term mindset of Animal Health and Veterinary professionals, since these were the people we mostly surveyed. Even as many consider changing roles, there is still a strong desire for personal and professional development.
This result is encouraging, especially in a field where science, technology, and best practices evolve rapidly. From telemedicine platforms and advanced diagnostics to leadership development and business management, today’s professionals understand that lifelong learning is key to staying competitive and fulfilled in their roles.
For employers, this presents an opportunity. Those who invest in the ongoing education and development of their teams—whether through CE allowances, mentoring programs, or internal training—signal that they value their people and want to support their growth. That kind of investment often builds loyalty and boosts retention.
It’s also worth noting that employees who seek additional certifications may be preparing themselves for internal promotions or preparing to pivot into new types of roles, including leadership or specialization. That brings us to our next data point.
Promotions and More Responsibility
Only 9% of respondents selected “promotion or more responsibility” as their top goal for the year. On the surface, this might seem like an unexpectedly low number. However, there are several possible explanations.
First, we must consider that many professionals may be seeking to change jobs before pursuing a promotion. In other words, they may want more responsibility—but not in their current organization. The 43% who plan to transition roles could also be seeking advancement, but in a new setting that offers better structure, support, and/or compensation.
Another factor may be the way that some Animal Health and Veterinary organizations currently handle career advancement. Many professionals report limited opportunities for promotion or unclear paths to move up, especially in smaller organizations with flat hierarchies. If employees don’t see a viable route to more responsibility, they may stop viewing promotion as a realistic short-term goal.
That said, there is always a portion of the workforce that is hungry for leadership opportunities. Employers that want to retain and empower these individuals should make it a priority to identify high-potential employees and communicate clearly about how advancement works within the organization.
Improving Work-Life Balance
The fourth option—improving work-life balance—garnered 18% of the vote. This number is particularly important given the well-documented mental health and burnout issues across the Veterinary profession. While not the majority response, it shows that nearly one in five professionals view greater balance as their number-one career goal for the year.
For many, the demands of long hours, emotional stress, and limited time off are taking a toll. In response, more professionals are seeking schedules and roles that allow for personal time, family life, and recovery. Flexibility, wellness initiatives, and mental health resources are increasingly part of the conversation when evaluating a new opportunity.
Employers who address work-life balance not only support their employees’ well-being, but they also strengthen their employer brand. Practices and organizations that offer flexible scheduling, enforce reasonable workload expectations, and create supportive environments are more likely to retain top talent, even when competitors offer higher compensation.
What This Means for Employers and Professionals
The results of our first LinkedIn poll tell a compelling story. The top two career goals—transitioning to a new role and gaining new skills—suggest that Animal Health and Veterinary professionals are eager for change, growth, and meaning in their work. Meanwhile, the desire for improved balance and advancement reveals a workforce that is thinking carefully about how to build careers that are sustainable and rewarding.
For employers, these insights are a call to action. To attract and retain top talent, it’s no longer enough to offer a competitive salary. Professionals today want opportunity, purpose, flexibility, and the ability to grow. Leaders must stay engaged with their teams, invest in training and development, and be open to reimagining traditional approaches to hiring and retention.
For professionals, this data reaffirms the importance of clarity and intentionality. Whether you’re looking to transition into a new role or develop new skills, setting clear goals and taking action now will position you for success over the next 12 months.
At The VET Recruiter, we are committed to helping both employers and candidates navigate these changing dynamics. If your organization is hiring or if you’re an Animal Health or Veterinary professional considering your next move, please get in touch with us.