RESOURCES
The annual industry veterinarian compensation survey helps build knowledge of how the animal health industry is progressing toward competitive compensation.
Find information on how to prepare for a new profession and how to be successful in it, as well as learn how to get the most out of your current career.
Connect with your current and future colleagues through AAIV events such as webinars, virtual networking opportunities, in-person networking receptions and more.
Mentoring
The American Association of Industry Veterinarians, an AVMA allied organization, was formed in 1954 by a group of veterinarians working in the pharmaceutical industry. It is a federally recognized non-profit organization with membership just under 500. AAIV members are veterinarians working in industry.
Interested in becoming a mentor? Fill out our questionnaire!
Interested in becoming a mentee? Fill out our questionnaire!
Starting a Career in Industry
A list of resources is compiled below that can aid you as you look into the field of industry veterinarians.
For more resources on careers as an industry veterinarian, visit our Mentorship Program.
AAIV is here to help you!
What is meant by a career "in industry"?
A career as an industry veterinarian encompasses anything that is not traditional clinical practice. This could include:
- Animal health companies (biologicals, pharmaceuticals, nutritional, medical devices)
- Human health companies
- Consumer pet companies
- Laboratory animal
- Research
- Corporate practice management
- Academics
- Federal, state, and local government
- Military
- Marketing and advertising agencies
- Publications (writing, editing, blogging, speaking)
- Pet and livestock insurance
- Nonprofit
- Consulting
- And wherever your imagination and ambition lead you!
What types of work do industry veterinarians do?
- Research - biomedical, clinical, field, environmental, genetics, pharmacological, animal care
- Business - intercompany licensing, mergers, acquisitions, negotiations, executive leadership
- Regulatory affairs - product registration, pharmacovigilance, compliance
- Product support - marketing, technical services, customer service, field sales
- Research and development - production, project management, quality assurance
- Communications- writing, editing, blogging, social media, public relations
How do you prepare for and find a job in industry?
Here are some ways to begin:
- Try to gain some business experience according to your interests via internships, volunteerism, or other programs.
- Capitalize on speaking, writing and media projects.
- Join American Association of Industry Veterinarians, via aaivet.org.
- Network constantly, via professional meetings, local events, and LinkedIn.
- Look at company career portals and other animal health websites.
- Consider every contact an interview and practice your "elevator speech."
What kinds of traits and experience do employers seek?
Employers look for evidence of leadership skills and the ability to work as a team player. Employers value a candidate's experience in veterinary practice and an understanding of or willingness to learn business principles. Excellent communication and analytical skills with problem solving abilities are highly valued.
You already have most of these traits and skills from your time in practice. You already provide excellent customer service, communicate with different types of people, solve problems, educate clients, handle complaints, and explain complex concepts in an understandable way.
Need help getting started?
Send a message to aaivmentorship@gmail.com. We are happy to help you join veterinary industry!
Career Resources
Finding information about how to prepare for a new profession and how to be successful in it can be plentiful, leaving you with the question of where to even start in your research?
AAIV has compiled a list of resources to help you as you look into the field of industry veterinarians.
Career Options
ORGANized Veterinary Medicine, The Eyes, Ears and Heart of the Profession
What Do Companies Need and What Can You Offer?
AAIV and AVMA: Veterinary Industry - Making it a Career
Opportunities in Lab Animal Medicine and Research Compliance
Preparation
Transitioning to a Career in Industry
Suggestions for your LinkedIn Profile
Career Assessment: Part 1
Preparing for a Career in Industry
Skills
The Skills You Need to Work in the Veterinary Industry
Tips for Training Adults Affectively
Soft Skills for Industry
Technical Job Requirements for Industry
Adaptability in Veterinary Industry
Career Management
They Don't Teach Corporate in Veterinary School
Pearls for a Thriving Career
Who's the Boss and Does it Matter? Getting Things Done When You're Not in Charge
How (and Why) to Access and Then Convey Your Value to Senior Leadership
Leading to Team Satisfaction and Productivity
Well-being
Personal and Organizational Wellbeing: Thriving versus Barely Surviving
The Power of Mindset
Reaching Your Retirement and Financial Goals
When You are Unique: How to Implement Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Where You Work Part 1
When You are Unique: How to Implement Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Where You Work Part 2
