Before you even graduate from veterinary or business school, you should start looking for a job. Ideally, you will have interned at a business that is similar to the one you want to start. If not, you can still volunteer and gain some part-time experience. While you are an intern, volunteer, or part-timer, you should make and hold on to those contacts. Even if you don't plan to work for these employers when you graduate, they can offer you a lot of valuable business advice.

The next best thing after interning or volunteering is to go on an informational interview. “An informational interview gets you and your name in front of the particular business before you apply for a specific job,” says Donna Gerhauser, a success coach based in New Jersey (www.coachdonna.com). “Most people want to talk about what they do because they have a lot of passion for their jobs. Before an opening comes up, pick up the phone to find out as much information as possible about the job you want. You might even learn about other opportunities. Spend a few minutes on the phone; or if you live close by, ask if you can come in for an interview.”

What's wonderful about this process is that there is nothing to lose. The person you are interviewing with doesn't feel pressured because you both know there is no job at the current time. “Being curious is a good thing,” says Gerhauser. “It serves you well in the whole process of networking and getting contacts. And if you do want to work for this company, the hiring managers will already know you.”