You are sure that you want a job working with animals, but which career? The first step is to write a list of all career options that appeal to you. Do you want to work for a large company? Would you prefer owning your own private practice or going solo as a freelancer? How important is money? What about benefits?

Look at all of your priorities and try not to compromise. Your pro and con list will help narrow your choices. “Narrowing down job decisions is hard,” says Vermeeren. “It doesn't come solely down to passion, but passion is a beginning stage. It may not be the only thing, but it matters because sometimes you are able to do what you enjoy but it's not meeting your needs. I speak about four specific areas when we talk about meeting needs, and those needs should be balanced in each area.

“The first one is wealth, and this doesn't just mean the amount of your paycheck; it also means prosperity. The second aspect is health. Will that job contribute or take away your health? What will it do to your stress levels, and what will be the physical difficulty associated with it? The third aspect is relationships. Will you have to give too much time to work? Will you be able to dedicate enough time to your family? The last aspect to consider is self-achievement. Will the jobs in consideration strike a chord with your core values? It's important to have balance, and receive fulfillment in all areas in the job you choose.”

Once you narrow your search down to two or three options, continue researching each field. With a list of pros and cons in hand, you will soon narrow the choice. “It is also okay to make changes while you are in grad school,” says Dr. May. “Often you can take one set of skills and knowledge and apply it to other fields. You don't have to feel locked into something.”