Informational Interview

I interviewed a close friend of mine, named Erica Kinyon. She is a certified dog groomer, pet hygienist, and animal trainer. I was able to speak with her over the phone and it was quite the interesting conversation. This interview took place on Thursday, the 8^th at around 1pm in the afternoon (Utah time). I asked her what her typical day was like, and she answered that she spends a great deal of time with animals, is very independent and doesn’t have to answer to anyone besides herself. I found that very appealing in my job search. She also stated that is really wasn’t about the money…more of finding happiness for the animals she works with. She also fosters animals while they are looking for a good permanent and loving home, and while she fosters them she trains them and helps them become more adoptable, which I really loved. Her typical day includes bathing and walking the animals, going through training sessions and cleaning up and feeding them.

I asked her where she went to school and she said that she went to the Animal Behavior College to get her certificate/official training, but mostly she said that she got her experience and love for animals growing up with horses on a ranch. She is a member of ARBA, and breeds Netherland dwarfs, as well as a member of AKC, where she breeds and shows Siberian huskies. Her company is called Royalty Tracks Siberians.

The last question I asked her was if she loves what she does and she exclaimed ‘yes!’ That is definitely something I want for myself and I need to find out if it would be a good fit for me. In order to do that, I need to volunteer/and or do a job shadow to find out if it is the right fit for me. I am really glad I did this interview, because I was able to get a more in depth look at what animal trainers and the like actually do.