SEF Business Aptitude Award

What will your winning essay be?

We are proud to announce that every year, the SEF awards $3,000 to one veterinary student from each participating school in the nation through its Business Aptitude Award Program. From the total winners, one student receives $15,000 for an award-winning essay submission. In addition, the national award winner will receive a trip to the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando in order to received the award..

SEF Business Aptitude Award Details

Mission: To recognize students who distinguish themselves by demonstrating a keen interest in and aptitude for the pursuit of business excellence in veterinary medicine.

• The award is offered to a 3rd year veterinary student at each veterinary school in the U.S.
• The awards are given at the school's spring awards ceremonies
• Recipients are chosen either by a school committee or by a Simmons regional leader. Please check with your school for details.
• All $3,000 winners are eligible to compete for the $15,000 grand award
• All regional winners submit to the SEF board a resume and a short essay
• The SEF board will choose the $15,000 winner

How to Apply

If you are a student or would like to recommend our program to an aspiring veterinarian in school, check with your schools’ Student Affairs Coordinator or contact the Simmons office in your area for details.

2013 SEF Award Winner

Brandon Prince

Veterinary Practice Marketing in Today's World - What to do and How to do it. That was the subject of this year's essay. The SEF received 23 outstanding submissions all showing how they would market a veterinary practice in today's on-line, social savvy world. For his outstanding response, Brandon Prince was selected as the winner of the SEF Business Aptitude Award.

"The exploration of marketing within the veterinary profession has given me a clear picture of the dynamic business environment I will face after graduation. Rather than focusing on a single strategy or system, this process has helped me to understand the broader marketing principles and adaptability I need to be successful as a business owner."

~ Brandon Prince, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Student

The SEF awarded Brandon with $15,000 and a trip to the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando where the award was presented at the National VBMA meeting. Brandon is a fourth year veterinary student at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

"I am so grateful to have been chosen for this award. As a soon to be father, this prize will be an extraordinary help for me and my new family to limit student debt over the last year of my education. This award will also be a distinctive asset for me as I market myself to potential employers," said Brandon. He is looking forward to entering mixed or small animal private practice upon graduation and hopes to be a practice owner in the near future. Brandon's father and grandfather are also veterinarians!

View the 2012 and 2013 Winners

View the 2010 and 2011 Winners

View the 2008 and 2009 Winners

View the 2006 and 2007 Winners

View the 2004 and 2005 Winners

"Congratulations - SEF has taken our Business Aptitude Program to one of the leading such programs among veterinary colleges! Thank you!"

Claire Eldridge, UTCVM