This is part of a feature on students with part-time jobs in their area of career interest.

To prepare for her future career as an exotic veterinarian, senior Jordon Grundy works at Family Pet Hospital, Primp My Pup and also pet sits. Grundy’s mom, who used to work at Family Pet Hospital, now owns Primp My Pup which provides numerous opportunities for her daughter to get experience.

Grundy hopes to become an exotic veterinarian. She feels that animals can not speak for themselves. Also, Grundy thinks exotic pets are different than domestic pets.

“I think it would be cool to work with lions and tigers,” Grundy said. “I just think that domestic pets that you see everyday can get boring.”

At Family Pet Hospital, Grundy’s job can range from answering phones to helping the vet. She assists surgeries, helps with dentals and fills prescriptions.

For college, Grundy is planning on going to Johnson County Community College for her prerequisites. Then she hopes to go to Kansas State University to major in Veterinary Medicine. Once she has her degree,. Grundy is planning to go somewhere in California, but has not decided where yet. Grundy feels that getting experience has prepared her for college.

“I have worked with animals for four to five years, which just proves that I have experience and responsibility,” Grundy said.

There are many things inside the school that Grundy is doing to prepare. She is taking several science classes such as Anatomy, Physics and Zoology.

Grundy hopes to stay in Kansas to pursue her career, but it depends on the job opportunities at the local zoos; although if she likes California, she may stay there. Kansas, however, presents dermatology problems for the dogs, which Grundy finds interesting.

Although it may take a while to complete, Grundy has her mind set on this career and she has not considered another occupation.

“I know it is a difficult thing to get into, but I am determined,” Grundy said. “If I have to, I can be a regular vet and then move on to exotic.”

Grundy offers some advice for students to get involved.

“You have to start early because that is what colleges look at. They will choose the person that has years of experience over someone that doesn’t have any,” Grundy said. “Getting involved also helps assure yourself that this is really what you want to do.”