Priority of Career Path Preferences among Veterinary Interns in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to identify the career preferences of veterinary interns at Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) Study Design: The study uses a survey-based exploratory and descriptive research design. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted among final-year (Veterinary Interns) Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences and Animla Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) students from four constituent colleges of TANUVAS: Madras Veterinary College at Chennai, Veterinary College and Research Institute (VCRI) at Namakkal, VCRI at Tirunelveli, and VCRI at Orathanadu, between the year 2022 and 2023. Methodology: A sample of 275 final-year veterinary interns was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured and pre-tested questionnaires. The Garrett Ranking Method was used to identify career preferences of veterinary interns. Respondents ranked various career options, which were converted into scores and then ranked based on the mean scores obtained. Results: The most preferred career path among veterinary graduates was Government Veterinary Services, followed by Faculty positions in Indian universities and Research Scientist roles within ICAR and other government sectors. Private practice, positions in private laboratories, and roles in the livestock industry and careers in civil services were moderately preferred, while, entrepreneurial ventures, and international opportunities were preferred by comparatively few numbers of veterinary interns. Conclusion: The study shows a strong preference for roles in the government and academic and research fields among veterinary interns. Understanding these preferences is important for improving educational awareness programs and career guidance, helping to better prepare graduates for their careers and ensuring effective use of veterinary manpower in Tamil Nadu.