Veterinary Externship - 2027/28 Blocks

Internship: Veterinary Externship
For Externship Blocks scheduled: June 2027 through May 2028
Location: Onsite
Application Deadline: November 1 2026 at 5pm CST

Please note: Applicants should apply 1 year prior to their clinical year (third year for most).  Current enrollment in a veterinary program is required.

Your application must include: Curriculum vitae and one (1) letter of recommendation from a professional reference that can vouch for your character and/or work ethic. The letter of recommendation should be sent directly to [email protected]. Additional letters or application materials beyond those required will not be accepted.

Internship Overview: 
The veterinary practice at Shedd Aquarium encompasses a fully-equipped hospital and satellite clinical facility, a clinical pathology and necropsy laboratory, and a molecular biology/microbial ecology laboratory. In addition, the practice integrates closely with the on-site environmental quality laboratory. Externs have the opportunity to spend time participating in each of these functional areas while assisting with patient care to a large and diverse collection of aquatic and terrestrial species.

Externs will work alongside clinical veterinarians, a zoological medicine resident from the Illinois Zoological and Aquatic Animal Residency (IZAAR) program, and certified veterinary technicians.

Responsibilities & Projects: 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 
• Participate in daily morning meetings to review and revise plans for each day.
• Accompany staff on weekly rounds to discuss the medical management of active cases.
• Veterinary Externs will also observe and participate in:
  • Quarterly morbidity and mortality rounds with the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine’s Zoological Pathology Program, if onsite.
  • Diagnostic and treatment plans and activities under guidance as appropriate.
• Shadow various animal care teams to observe and understand routine husbandry practices.
• Observe and assist Environmental Quality Laboratory staff with comprehensive environmental quality surveillance measures.
• Review mock cases and study materials as assigned.
• Complete a project to present at the end of the externship on a subject of the supervisor’s and student’s choosing.
• Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: Sincere interest in a Veterinary career at a zoo, aquarium, wildlife, or conservation organization.
 
Skills/Characteristics: 

• Fourth-year veterinary student at time of the externship.
• At least 18 years old.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Ability to work well independently and with a team.
• Ability to communicate openly and professionally.
• Willingness to ask questions and to collaborate toward solutions.
• Ability to lift objects of 40 pounds or more as well as bend, crouch, squat and carry equipment.

Time & Compensation: 

• This is an unpaid internship. Externs are responsible for securing their own housing accommodations and transport. Shedd Aquarium is accessible via public transit. 
• Externs will be scheduled for one four-week block. Shorter or longer blocks may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
• Externs are scheduled Monday-Friday each week of their block.

Reasonable Accommodations: 
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at [email protected]. 

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.