Should You Go Into Corporate Practice Or Start Your Own Veterinarian Office?
A veterinarian has diverse career options to move ahead on their professional journey. You may choose to go into corporate practice or start a private clinic by yourself. You can start in one domain and consider switching to the other at any point during your career. But it always makes sense to choose wisely and at the right time. Each of the alternatives has its pros and cons, and choosing between the two will be easy if you understand them better. Let us explain these options in detail so that you can make a confident decision.
A veterinarian has diverse career options to move ahead on their professional journey. You may choose to go into corporate practice or start a private clinic by yourself. You can start in one domain and consider switching to the other at any point during your career. But it always makes sense to choose wisely and at the right time. Each of the alternatives has its pros and cons, and choosing between the two will be easy if you understand them better. Let us explain these options in detail so that you can make a confident decision.
Corporate Practice
Corporate practice refers to a clinic owned and managed by a company. The business model has seen an uptick in recent years, and young professionals are keen to explore its perks. The company runs these clinics, so employees can focus only on treating patients and gaining skills and experience. It makes them an ideal pick for fresh graduates. Work schedules are regular, and you can expect a good work-life balance as an employee. Another upside of joining a corporate clinic is that you can easily move to another part of the country as they often have multiple clinics at different locations. However, you have limited decision-making power when you work as a corporate employee.
Private Veterinarian Office
Practitioners who look for more freedom and control can opt to set up a private veterinarian office rather than seek employment with corporate practice. The business model is ideal for seasoned professionals who have gained ample experience as associates and want to move to the next level. You can pick a location of your choice and set up a clinic to get started. You have the benefit and security of ownership, along with excellent growth prospects. But you also need to be smart enough to secure your future. It makes sense to get disability insurance for recently graduated veterinarians and established practitioners if you plan to start your own clinic. The insurance offers support if you happen to lose your working capacity due to an injury or illness.
Understand What Works For You
Now that you know the upsides and downsides of both options, choosing what works for you will be a tad easier. Your mindset should be the deciding factor, whether you have the entrepreneurial streak or want a lucrative and comfortable start in the industry. Setting up means a lot of work because you need to do much beyond practicing your skills, so you must be committed enough. The decision also boils down to your experience in the industry. You may get some experience by working in the corporate settings for a few years and then establishing your own clinic once you are confident. Further, you may have a vision for the future, and it could be the driving factor for the decision.
Choosing the best working option as a veterinarian can open the road to success in your career. So you must decide only after careful consideration of the pros and cons of both options.
