¬¬¬Leader: CAREER PATHMy Career Path to Becoming a VeterinarianBetsy Berenback-GoldVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityTask #4 for Biology Orientation Seminar (BIOL 1004)Dr. Jack Evans, Instructor10/16/14Wanting to become a veterinarian was not a childhood aspiration that I spent hours dreaming of becoming. In reality, it was by accident that I discovered this profession. In eighth grade, I had to shadow a professional for a day. Being the young, inexperienced student that I was, I procrastinated. Therefore, I went to any professional workplace to beg doctors, teachers, nurses, etc. to allow me to enter. However, either everyone had people following them or they couldn't have me on that specific date. However, I went to this veterinary office and the doctor told me that if I researched the veterinary profession and brought back detailed notes on the subject, he would allow me in. This is where my real love for becoming a veterinarian is the average salary. from a veterinarian costs $86,640, or $41.66 per hour. The salary can be up to $150,000. However, most starting salaries are at a minimum around $52,000. (O*Net Online, 2013) Unlike many other professions, a veterinarian has many opportunities for attractive salary advancement. Just like most professional jobs that require years of schooling and time, salary advancement is achievable if you're good at what you do. (O*Net Online, 2013) Overall, that accident I had in 8th grade had set me on the path to becoming a veterinarian. Although I know the field is competitive and the workload is not easy, this is the work I have fallen in love with doing. As my father always said: “do what you love and you will never work a day in your life”. Therefore, I intend to follow this career path, I love what I do and hope to successfully run a veterinary practice in the