Coffee Talk Interview |
|
My Questions |
Dr. Kennie's Answers |
| Please tell me a little about yourself? | I was raised at the edge of the city, but spent most of my time in the country. I inherited my love for animals from my grandmother whom we lived with. She had all of the standard farm animals and a horse. |
| What is a typical day like for you while at work? | Answer phone questions about pet health. Examen and treat well, sick, and injured pets. Perform "population control surgeries" as well as other health related surgeries. |
| What are your main duties and responsibilities? | I am the Boss. I provide knowledge to clients to allow for healthy pet ownership. Sometimes I need to be a psychologist for pet and/or owner. |
| How is this organization structured? | Boss(es), higher management & decision makers. Technicians- middle management- decision input. Receptionist- middle management- decision input. Kennel/Cleaning- important- decision input. |
| What is the purpose of this organization? | Provides health care for pets and livestock in the area which intern affects the pets and livestock of the state, economics for livestock owners, and psychological health for pet owners. |
| How long have you worked here? | 16 years |
| Why did you choose to work here? | Moved to Dayton to live in a rural community. |
| What skills and training are necessary for your position? | Four years of professinal school (Vet. School) after two or more years of undergraduate college work. Being able to safely work with animals, being able to communicate with people. |
| How did you acquire these skills? Through school? On the Job? | Technical knowledge gained in school. Some from "the school of hard knock or bites". Communication skills learned through seminars and on the job. |
| What qualifications do employee’s need to be successful here? | Self starter- they see a job that needs doing and they do it, they are capable and trained for it. Needs a pleasant personality and are able to take constructive criticism. |
| Do you consider a career in this area satisfying? In what ways? | I never wanted to do anything else sense I was in the fourth grade. I can't think of a more satisfying job. |
| Do you find there are additional rewards beyond money in this career? | Respect of others and the freedom to make my own choices. |
| How important is getting along with others in the career? | VERY. Some people think that loving animals is the important part of vet. med. But getting along with the owners is almost more important. |
| What other personality traits, skills, or knowledge are important here? | Must be able to separate yourself from your clients, patients, and job yet remain compassionate for the job and have compassion for clients and patients. |
| What advice do you have for me? | What ever you do work hard, find a job you can "love to go to work for". Don't be afraid to change your focus as you age and situation changes. Be honest with your self and others. |
| What questions have I not asked? | Cost of education and in relation to future earnings. Cost of all college education is high. Yet med. has additional expenses- future earnings are often greater in other fields. |