Sorry for the wall of text in advance. Earlier this week, I was offered my FIRST veterinary assistant/technician job, needless to say I was extremely excited. Today, I found out that I got accepted to the Disney Professional Interns Program, where I would work in the Animal Kingdom Vet Hospital. Both are paid opportunities, but I'm not at liberty to discuss that. Now I'm conflicted. I did commit to start working at the clinic on Monday, because I seriously thought there was no way in hell I would get Disney. I applied for Disney much much earlier. I am both so shocked and so humbled that I would be chosen for not just one but both opportunities.
A little bit of background about me:
- I just graduated from undergrad in May.
- I have two wildlife internships under my belt (one birds/small mammals and one marine mammals)
- I was an intern at a companion medicine clinic 4 years ago - did all the vet assistant things with none of the pay.
- I'm (hopefully) going to vet school next fall.
The vet clinic offers (Domestic animals):
- Long term job stability
- Long term working relationship with a great team of veterinarians and technicians. I seriously meant it when I told them I was not just looking for a temporary job and wanted a long term relationship.
- If I do well, I will virtually be guaranteed a summer job there during breaks from vet school
- Lots to learn and quality mentoring. They're willing to provide me full training so that I can learn everything a technician can do.
- The owner was just like me when he was 15, so I feel like he understands me and what I'm going through.
- The facility is nothing short of amazing. It's a full doggy/kitty day care and hospital. Everything is so fancy and efficient!
Disney (Wildlife):
- Six-month internship (beginning of January - beginning of June). This is my last opportunity to do this internship because it must be completed within a year of graduation.
- Relocate to Florida
- Hands-on veterinary care with wildlife, and I have plenty of wildlife experience but never really had the chance to see much of actual veterinary care.
- I was chosen as one of two veterinary interns at the hospital out of probably hundreds of applicants, so it is seriously an honor.
- It's Disney. I think that deserves its own bullet.
- Description of the internship: These interns function in two roles: one is as the Primary Wildlife Case Contact and the other is as an assistant to the Veterinary Technicians. When functioning as the Primary Wildlife Case Contact, the intern is responsible for receiving all wildlife cases that come to the veterinary hospital from the Walt Disney World® Resort property. This includes assessment, triage, giving necessary care as directed by the animal care staff and veterinarians, animal transport to rehabilitation facilities, maintenance of all records and databases. When functioning as Assistant to the Veterinary Technicians, the intern provides support to the Veterinary Technicians. This includes setting up supplies/equipment prior to procedures, maintenance of stock/supplies in the veterinary hospital and at satellite facilities, clean-up after procedures, cleaning/packing/sterilizing instruments and assistance with sample preparation and related laboratory paperwork. The interns are also responsible for guest interaction and giving presentations in the on-show veterinary treatment window.
- Variety of park related perks
TLDR: I was offered two great opportunities, and I'm having difficulty deciding what I want to do. Advice?
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