2010 intern Amelia Gessner working with one of our gibbons.
To foster career exploration in young adults, the Seneca Park Zoo offers an five-week, funded research and clinical internship, the AAB Pre-Vet Summer Fellowship. The Zoo’s Director of Animal Health and Conservation and head veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Wyatt, heads the program. He was able to answer a few questions below to engage college students aspiring to become veterinarians, as well as high school students that are interested in pursuing this career path in college. PLEASE NOTE: The AAB application deadline, originally set for Jan. 11, 2013 has been extended to Feb. 1, 2013. You can even read about some of our past interns’ experiences here.
Q: What does this internship offer that sets it apart from any other pre-vet internship available?
A: This is the only funded ($250 per week) plus free dorm housing internship for a pre-vet student in North America!
Q: What would a competitive resume consist of for the AAB application process?
A: The same as for a top applicant for vet school admission. Two plus years of college in a pre-vet undergraduate program, over 1,000 hours completed in BOTH traditional companion (dog/cat) and large animal (horse/cow) veterinary practices, an excellent letter of support from a vet and a great GPA (close or equal to 4.0 for the last ten years of successful AAB candidates).
Q: What does the cross sectional research project include and how will the interns benefit from it?
A: The Zoo and intern will benefit by having a project completed that will answer questions important to the Zoo and the Zoo’s animals.
Q: How has the internship impacted career success for previous interns?
A: Nearly all of our past interns are happy and successful in various vet care programs across zoos and exotic animal disciplines.
Q: What is some advice you can give for aspiring high school students to prepare for a college/career path in veterinary medicine?
Go to Cornell’s Web site and do a Friday vet school tour. Be competitive and strategic with your prep…as well as have fun!
So, you have to be already good enough for vet school in order to get this internship basically?
Martin,
You have to be a competitive candidate, yes.