Let's talk careers

[Emily]

-What do you do for a living?

I'm the assistant manager of a dog daycare and boarding facility. I also teach group obedience classes and private manners/behavior mod on the side.

-Do you like it?

Yeah, I do! It can be very very stressful at times, dealing with people and their animals is not always easy, plus managing my staff. On the whole, though, I like getting to meet lots of dogs (and their people)!

I'm kinda burnt out on training classes, though, tbh. Pet training is just not my cup of tea, but for now it's how I make the moneys.

-Did you need a degree for it?

Not really, I don't think it hurts that I have BA though. I think it just looked good to my boss.

 

[BlackPuppy]

You don't want to do what I do. Entry is difficult, but the reward is good($).

 

[Fran101]

-What do you do for a living?
Dog walker lol

-Do you like it?
yes I do, lol I love the exercise, I love the all around doggy store I work for (they do self bathing, boutique, food, etc..)

-Did you need a degree for it?
NOPE! lol It's just a part time job I'm doing WHILE I'm getting my degree.
It pays very well.. hours are super flexible, dog gets to come to work with me, it's really fun overall.
but yea, stamina. It's a lot of clients, a lot of dogs.. and I honestly try to stay peppy and perky for ALL their walks, which is frikin exhausting.

but my butt looks amazing these days lol

 

[Xandra]

Cali your blog is awesome!!

And I have no career. lol

 

[Moth]

What do you do for a living?
I am a lab technician in a QA lab.

Do you like it?
Yes, I love tinkering about in the lab and running tests.

Did you need a degree for it?
Yes, I have a biology degree.


My ending up in this line of work has been a long and ambling path. I have had a lot of other jobs over the years. I have also had the pleasure of working as a vet assistant, and as a dog trainer. I even worked a guard and safety officer in an industrial setting.
I always enjoyed biology though so when I went back to college that was one of the two majors I persued and here I am...at least for the moment.

 

[RBark]

What I do - Vice President of a HVAC company.
Do I like it - eh. Most days.
Do you need a degree - yes and no, with a strong recommendation on yes. There are times and opportunities where you can work your way up. However hard work does not a businessman make. I was trained some and self-educated for the rest. I started out as a hvac installer / repairman and I can say while that experience made me a better businessman, there's very little overlap. Most of the managers apply for a job here and except in extraordinary circumstances I look for degrees relating to business.

 

[Jules]

I'm a paralegal/legal assistant and work at a public defender's office.

I do like it. Some days I feel a burn out coming up, but I really do like most of my coworkers a lot. There's a phenomenal sense of humor among us (which is needed).

 

[Tortilla]

This doesn't really count because it's not my career. I'm still in university working towards a career in law enforcement.

-What do you do for a living? As of now, dog assistant at a doggy daycare/training facility.
-Do you like it? I've only been here a month but so far I really enjoy it.
-Did you need a degree for it? No, I'm still in university.

 

[SpringerLover]

-What do you do for a living?
I currently work in human services for a company that provides services and finds employment for adults with developmental disabilities.

-Do you like it?
Most days I tolerate it, some days I like it, some days I despise it. No days do I love it.

-Did you need a degree for it?
Kind of. You either need a degree or a lot of experience in the field to get a position (or know the right people). I have a BS in education.

Now, the real question... what do I want to do? I want to be a professional dog nerd. I love to read studies, look at genetic history... seriously I think my dream job would be working for the OFA. --nerd cap on-- What is that job? I honestly have no idea at this point.

 

[Locke]

What do I do? I'm a baker at a high-end cupcake shop.

Do I like it? No. It's not challenging, management is shitty, and I do not get paid enough for what I do. My co-workers are pretty awesome though.

Do you need a degree? Nope, but it can help you move up the ranks faster, or get a job in a different baking position. I have a degree in something entirely unrelated, but I don't really want to follow that path.

 

[crazedACD]

You don't want to do what I do. Entry is difficult, but the reward is good($).

That's no fun! Fess up, what do you do?

What do you do for a living?
I am a lab technician in a QA lab.

Do you like it?
Yes, I love tinkering about in the lab and running tests.

Did you need a degree for it?
Yes, I have a biology degree.


My ending up in this line of work has been a long and ambling path. I have had a lot of other jobs over the years. I have also had the pleasure of working as a vet assistant, and as a dog trainer. I even worked a guard and safety officer in an industrial setting.
I always enjoyed biology though so when I went back to college that was one of the two majors I persued and here I am...at least for the moment.

-What do you do for a living? Assistant lab manager, but only until the end of next week; I'm starting grad school.
-Do you like it? Yes, I adore it.
-Did you need a degree for it? Yes.

How did you guys find looking for a job? Was it pretty easy to get into after school?

 

[crazedACD]

-What do you do for a living? Right now, retail in the pet department of a large store. My main job is more or less managing the fish section, and then doing everything else in the department.

-Do you like it? The pay is low, but I prefer the job to other jobs in the same pay scale. Seems the better I do my job, the more work I have to do..hah. There's too much drama but I do like it. I could do this long term if it wasn't such crappy pay.

-Did you need a degree for it? Nope.

 

[Tankstar]

what do I do? dog groomer.

Do I like it? 98% of the time. the other 2% I dont due to what I see (as in neglected dogs, rude people who dont get what needs to be done.)

Do I need a degree? No. But if you want you can go to school for it (I did not) or take certifications for it

 

[JessLough]

Currently, I am co-manager of bar operations in a not-for-profit organization focusing on veterans and their families.

I like it enough, its really just meant to get me through school.

No degree or anything needed, managing experience is an asset, you can take bartending certification but i did not

 

[SaraB]

What I do: Uncertified Vet Tech (working on becoming certified) and Professional Dog Trainer

Do I like it: Yes! I would rather be a full time trainer and that is my goal, but in the mean time a full time job with benefits is quite nice.

Do I need a degree: Yes, I am working on becoming a certified vet tech. No degree needed for the dog trainer part, however continuing education is crucial, so really it's never ending education for me!

 

[*blackrose]

I currently work as a veterinary assistant. I do enjoy it, and am planning on getting my tech certification after I graduate with my BS. So while I don't need a degree or certification to be a vet assistant...you get a much better pay if you are a certified tech. LOL

 

[Moth]

That's no fun! Fess up, what do you do?

How did you guys find looking for a job? Was it pretty easy to get into after school?

The thing that helped me a lot when I looked for a job after school is the fact that all through college I made sure to work part time in some of the labs on campus as a student employee. So I had lab experience under my belt when I graduated.

It was a bit of leg work finding my current job, but that is mostly because while Madison is a pretty bio tech dense area there is also lots of competition due to the fact that we have a big university here.

 

[sparks19]

What do I do? Stay at home mom/homeschooler and teachers assistant at a preschool bery part time

Do I like it? Yes. Love it. Being a stay at home mom and a homeschooler is the best. Working 8 hours a week at the preschool is also great. Hannah gets to come with me and she loves it and the kids are wonderful. I adore them so much. Today was our first day of the school year and one little boy was very sad and missing his mom and was crying and I grabbed a tissue and went over and talked to him and wiped his tears away and he stopped crying and held my hand from that moment on. So sweet and really touched my heart. Then I got to lead the hokey pokey and the safari walk and read some stories... What is there not to love about that . I also teach/co teach in our homeschool co ops and it is awesome.

Do I need a degree? No. Just need a big heart, lots of patience, determination and did i mention patience? Oh and the ability to act like a kid lol. I have a lot of experience with kids and a background check and good to go

 

[-bogart-]

Marine dispatcher.
Love it.
Not required , bigger co. Smile upon them. Would be something in transportation management.


I cordinate barge placement at chemical docks and wharfs in the Port of New Orleans.

 

[Bigpoodleperson]

What I do: Im a certified veterinary technician, and am currently an instructor at the college I went to school for. I teach vet tech classes.

Do I like it? For the most part. I LOVE my co-workers, and they are the best part of my job!! I stay because of them. I really do enjoy teaching the students, and passing my skills and tips along to them. Its great when they succeed because of you. I dislike the crap some of the students pull, and it can be very stressful. I Love being a CVT though!!!

Do you need a degree. Yes. To be a certified veterinary technician you have to go to school and pass the national exam. There were other requirements for teaching too, but I dont need a teaching degree. Just my CVT license and experience.