Common questions and misconceptions by non-VBMA veterinary students

Misconception:"I'm on a large animal track, and VBMA is for small animal medicine students"
Fact: VBMA is for EVERY veterinary student! No where else you will you receive such a thorough introduction to business managment, personal finance and overall business information you will need not only as an Associate but for life in general. This includes lectures about insurance, banking and state veterinary law information. Chapters strive to get large animal practioners involved and all chapters look to students such as yourself to help bring those professionals you know into the classroom to speak on behalf of large animal practice.

Misconception: "I'm too busy with other clubs to dedicate my time to VBMA lectures"
Fact: VBMA is whatever you want it to be. Many chapters have certificate programs that may or may not require you to be at a certain number of lectures. Many of these chapters let you pick which lecture topics interest you the most, therefore VBMA allows you to personalize it to your needs! While all student clubs are beneficial, rarely any other club provides as much information and networking for your professional career like VBMA does. We bring in the best professionals in the industry as well as experienced practioners to share with you the information you need to know as a student and as a professional. They share with you their personal experiences and help you find the resources you're not given by faculty at your school to succeed once you've graduated. VBMA is the fatest growing and probably one of the most important student organizations in veterinary schools today. We were started by students due to the lack of education we were receiving to be successful once we graduate. Today we are still student run & most chapters are completely independant from their SCAVMA chapter. This allows for more funding through our generous sponsors to bring you the professionals you should know in the industry.

Question: "Why should I join VBMA? Does anyone even know what the VBMA Is?"
Answer: You should join the VBMA because of the networking with industry professionals. The relationships you establish are lifelong and the information these professionals have to share with students is invaluable. To know how to market yourself and have a successful interview, how to manage your student debt, where to go to get a loan when you're ready to buy a practice and what insurance you will need as an associate is just the beginning of the many things you will benefit from when you become a VBMA member. Almost the entire Industry knows who the VBMA is. VBMA members are highly regarded for taking the initiative to gain information that will make them more successfull once the graduate so they can hit the ground running. (see testimonials) VBMA is growing internationally as well so we are a very popular and well run organization. We are currently spreading our name to the private practice sector and it won't be long until many practioners seek out VBMA members as new associates. Plain and simple VBMA students understand the bottom line of business and our role in it more often than non-VBMA students.

Misconception: "I will learn the business aspects of practice once I'm working"
Fact: Three words....Why Not Now? Indeed most people believe that once they get into practice they'll learn more about busines. While we don't disgree with this, we'd like you to think about the topics you'll miss that involve interviewing, questions to ask your future employer, how to tell if the practice you think you might want to work in is right for you. You'll also miss out on recommendations you'll recieve from private practioners in the popular "If I knew then what I know now" lectures. These are definitely helpful before you enter practice and may help you avoid the wrong fit when you choose your future practice. Also ask yourself what you would prefer from associate if you were hiring them? Would you like a doctor to tell you "I don't know medicine, but I'll learn it when I get there." Most would say no and it's no different from owners in this tough economy to hear what else you bring to the table that can help their business, not just their patients because we'll all be there for the medicine.

Misconception: "Business club is boring. Why would I want to join a club like the VBMA?"
Fact: We urge you to talk to VBMA members. You will be surprised to find how much fun VBMA can be! The networking alone is s blast when you meet so many people from the industry. All of these professionals have advice for you that is valuable and you will certainly learn more from VBMA than you expect. Afterall what is more enjoyable then networking, meeting future employers, mentors and collegues while drinking wine or attending other VBMA social events? Just try it, and if you're not getting what you think you should let your officers know and we'll do our best to get you the opportunities you were hoping for.

Misconception: "I don't plan on being a practice owner so I don't need business education"
Fact: Ask any professional and you may find the overwhelming answer that you're wrong-you definitely need business education. Basic business skills apply not only to your professional work but also your everyday life. Your role as an associate is to be a productive member of a practice. If you do not understand what factors into being as productive as you can and understanding the business you work in, how much money are you potentially losing for your employer? Educate yourself or let VBMA help. We'll give you the basic skills and resources to get what you need to be a successful associate and individual. You will learn personal financing as well as business management. It is VBMA's goal to not only help you achieve your professional goals but personal goals as well. This includes receiving compensation to pay off your student debt and the way to do this is to understand the business.