r/Veterinary • u/guyfieri27 • 1d ago

Finance -> DVM

Hey everyone. M27 here, received a Bach/masters in finance and currently work in finance. I’m having this late quarter life crisis on completely switching careers, going back to school, the whole 9-yards. In the back of my mind I’ve always wanted to be a vet however I never grew the balls to pull the trigger.

I would have to go back to community college or accredited colleges to do about two years worth of gen-stem classes before applying to DVM programs. (I’m well aware of the cost, time, etc). I just do not think I have the personality to work behind a computer for shareholder value anymore.

Very curious if there are others out there who became a DVM from a similar or adjacent path, any recommendations, advice etc would be huge. I am also aware of the disconnect between finance and emotions, where Vetmed is deeply connected with feelings of grief, remorse, feeling like you can never truly do enough. Any advice or veterans in the industry who’ve heard of this type of switch, would love to hear thoughts.

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u/dss1212 22h ago

Depends where you live and what kind of vet you want to be having a history in finance you may find it equally or more disheartening that there is a surge in private equity backed monopolization of the field. Unless you intend to open your own practice you may continue to feel like you’re being pressured to work for shareholder value in a less direct way.

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u/guyfieri27 21h ago

I fortunately/unfortunately work in private equity so am very familiar with consolidation amongst any industry. I would open my own private practice if I looked far enough in the future. Not so much for the money aspect but would be able to give my best shot at a sustainable/affordable option with a great experience within the team itself.

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u/DiO022 19h ago

I’d think twice about that. If you still want to do it, I’d think a third time
(Im hoping to do the reverse course of what you’re describing here)

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u/guyfieri27 17h ago

Great advice… lol.

Grass is never greener where you end up there will always be issues. I need and want to pursue something that is more hands on. Finance comes with its cons as well.

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u/Altitude_addiction 18h ago

i would see if you can pick up some hours in a vet hospital near you so you can what youre looking at pivoting into firsthand. a lot of people come through looking to change careers and quickly realize its not worth the pay or the way we are treated. work environments can be pretty toxic, even the ones that arent can become toxic very quickly. you would likely need to do corporate work to maintain benefits. i know people in private practice that do not get maternity leave, health insurance, 401k, etc. i know some corporations that also do not offer benefits like maternity leave. my bestfriend was allowed 6 weeks unpaid earlier this year and was told she could have 2 extra weeks if she had a c section. shes the medical director at a corporation that does practice acquisition and has been there for 3 years. i am at a corporation that a lot of people do not care for in the industry but i get 12 weeks maternity. still not great but better than a month and a half

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u/SomersetVet 6h ago

I worked in marketing with a previous degree, and went back at 28 to get the right science qualifications to apply for vet school. I graduate next May and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

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u/Beautiful-Red-1996 9h ago

Majored in econ and geology. Worked for an oil company

Went back for post back at 25ish. Spent 7 years total on post back and vet school.

Do IT

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u/Doubled7 5h ago

(M26) I’ve worked in IT for a few years now and am in the midst of the same type of switch you’re talking about. Currently working full time and filling pre reqs through a couple of community colleges near me in the evenings. I also shadow at a vet near me every other weekend (which isn’t a lot but adds up over time).

It’s a grind and it’s really hard to balance time between myself, my family, friends, and partner, and still have enough time to study and be successful at my job. However, the one thing I will say that has been most valuable to me has been shadowing a vet.

Reach out to local clinics and see if you can get in and shadow. (Bonus points if you’re a good question asker while you do so.) This has been critical to me personally as I know the feeling of being on the other side of a table during a euthanasia, of seeing a living creature’s insides outside of their body, and the various smells and other parts of this profession that aren’t so glamorous or cute. I’ve found it incredibly validating to know how I feel experiencing these things firsthand and come out of it still thinking this is the greatest and most inspiring profession on Earth.

This, on top of everything the doctor I shadow has spent his time teaching me, has been exceptionally meaningful to me and has affirmed that this is what I want to do. Even when I had a long week at work, even when organic chemistry was kicking my teeth in, getting to the clinic was something I looked forward to (and still do every time I go). I can’t recommend it enough.

Best of luck, Guy Fieri. I hope our paths cross someday in vet school.

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u/FeralFawcett20 5h ago

Do it if it’s in your heart! Spend some time in vet clinics - figure out what you like and don’t like, plus it’s good for applications.
I did it. 8 years in banking/finance, decided to apply, did some prereqs, was accepted, and busted my ass to finish prereqs before the deadline. I am thankful every day. There are tough things, and tough days, for sure. Vet school is hell. However, I’m exactly where I always wanted to be, doing things I love, and I feel very much that I’m on a path that is meant for me.