I feel like I wasted my P1 and P2 years

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As the title suggests, I have nothing to show for my 2 years in pharmacy school. I get good grades (>3.5 GPA), but besides that, I am not involved in anything.

I'm in some organizations and I've participated in some events, but I'm merely a member. We recently had some elections, and I realized that this year, my P2 year, was my last year to become involved and get a position, so I could do SOMETHING in my P3 year. But alas, this realization came way too late.

I do work for a chain and I've been with them for 5 years. I was banking on a summer internship with the company but just recently found out that I was denied. Now I realize how fragile I am in this competitive job market.

I don't have plans to do a residency; I enjoy working in a community setting and would love to get a retail position.

Any thoughts on what I can do in my P3 year to make up for my lack of involvement?

Originally Posted by nexus14

As the title suggests, I have nothing to show for my 2 years in pharmacy school. I get good grades (>3.5 GPA), but besides that, I am not involved in anything.

I'm in some organizations and I've participated in some events, but I'm merely a member. We recently had some elections, and I realized that this year, my P2 year, was my last year to become involved and get a position, so I could do SOMETHING in my P3 year. But alas, this realization came way too late.

I do work for a chain and I've been with them for 5 years. I was banking on a summer internship with the company but just recently found out that I was denied. Now I realize how fragile I am in this competitive job market.

I don't have plans to do a residency; I enjoy working in a community setting and would love to get a retail position.

Any thoughts on what I can do in my P3 year to make up for my lack of involvement?

Dude, or duddete, dont worry.

You have two years left to start serious networking. I mean know as many pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy drivers as possible for the next two years. Many here are A type, smart people who will argue that you will only be competitive if you have a stellar CV (see Z's) thread. That is not all true.

Im not BS-ing you. How about this for proof. I had no work experience, no clubs/organizations thru pharm school, not a single professional meeting, no residency, 3.65 gpa yet had 2 hospital offers, LTC and retail. The kicker is this is all in the saturated east cost. I picked LTC.

I cant overemphasize the importance of networking. Know the right people and doors will open for you my friend. Add a touch of good attitude.

Don't participate in events that don't interest you just for the Brownie points. You certainly do have plenty to show for your P1 and P2 years, and that's two years of college.

Originally Posted by TemSirolimus

Dude, or duddete, dont worry.

You have two years left to start serious networking. I mean know as many pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy drivers as possible for the next two years. Many here are A type, smart people who will argue that you will only be competitive if you have a stellar CV (see Z's) thread. That is not all true.

Im not BS-ing you. How about this for proof. I had no work experience, no clubs/organizations thru pharm school, not a single professional meeting, no residency, 3.65 gpa yet had 2 hospital offers, LTC and retail. The kicker is this is all in the saturated east cost. I picked LTC.

I cant overemphasize the importance of networking. Know the right people and doors will open for you my friend. Add a touch of good attitude.

n=1

I do think that SDN has more than its fair share of type A personalities. Not that I advocate laziness, etc. but give me a break - it's not THAT hard to get a job.

Originally Posted by owlegrad

I do think that SDN has more than its fair share of type A personalities. Not that I advocate laziness, etc. but give me a break - it's not THAT hard to get a job.

Type A personality students already have a full time job...Being GUNNERS!

I honestly do not think being in an organization is a big deal. Having a lot of work experiences and working in different places will take you far.

Originally Posted by Trakker

I honestly do not think being in an organization is a big deal. Having a lot of work experiences and working in different places will take you far.

I tend to agree. However, it makes me sad as I've talked to quite a few residency directors that mention leadership positions in pharmacy organizations rank highest in pts towards evaluating a resident app. I see a lot of the orgs as self perpetuating orgs that positions just spin their wheels. I'd rather be out getting work experience and doing something constructive than running a drug toss or the like.

I didn't have any leadership position in organizations during pharmacy school.

Thanks for your responses everyone!

I wrote the post in a somewhat drunken state last night after feeling sorry for myself. Writing it had an overall therapeutic effect and I slept like a baby last night (although that may have been the alcohol).

I also got feedback on why I didn't get my internship, and, for the most part, I know what I need to do to improve myself. (edit: and it wasn't due to a lack of leadership like I had previously thought)

Originally Posted by All4MyDaughter

I didn't have any leadership position in organizations during pharmacy school.

And now all you have is a residency, your own business, and more job offers than you can handle. Obviously you really missed out not wasting your time in student orgs.

I am not implying that student orgs are always a waste of time (even if that is how i feel).

Originally Posted by owlegrad

And now all you have is a residency, your own business, and more job offers than you can handle. Obviously you really missed out not wasting your time in student orgs.

I am not implying that student orgs are always a waste of time (even if that is how i feel).

I know. I have clearly underachieved. I wonder if it's too late to join some clubs?

I haven't done much leadership either. Guess I'll be losing points in that category. must not be popular enough

Originally Posted by owlegrad

I do think that SDN has more than its fair share of type A personalities. Not that I advocate laziness, etc. but give me a break - it's not THAT hard to get a job.

I wasnt being sarcastic- i do genuinely believe that SDN forums select the smart, driven individuals, and they sure go places. No denying that. Someone pointed out that n is not sufficient to make statistically significant conclusions. Thats true, but guess who im gonna refer next time there is an opening at my place- someone i know. Most pharmacist at my place are there through referrals.

Im not sure if owl is being sarcastic about how easy/hard it is to get a job but we had 20 apps for a job that ended up being filled internally.

Originally Posted by joetrisman

Type A personality students already have a full time job...Being GUNNERS!

Originally Posted by joetrisman

Shhhhhh. Gunners don't talk about gunning

Originally Posted by TemSirolimus

Thats true, but guess who im gonna refer next time there is an opening at my place- someone i know. Most pharmacist at my place are there through referrals.

Im not sure if owl is being sarcastic about how easy/hard it is to get a job but we had 20 apps for a job that ended up being filled internally.

Yup, personally I'm a big believer and supporter of networking...however you go about doing so; through clubs, work, casual meetings, conferences, etc. Pure networking and good old hard work has opened many doors for myself, while on paper I merely look(ed) like just another average person. Many students are so focused and dead set on padding their CV's and getting >3.8gpa's while they tend to lack real world experience, exposure and knowledge. Can't necessarily knock them for it, but networking and building personal relationships will win out in the end....in my opinion that is.

Originally Posted by TemSirolimus

I wasnt being sarcastic- i do genuinely believe that SDN forums select the smart, driven individuals, and they sure go places. No denying that. Someone pointed out that n is not sufficient to make statistically significant conclusions. Thats true, but guess who im gonna refer next time there is an opening at my place- someone i know. Most pharmacist at my place are there through referrals.

Im not sure if owl is being sarcastic about how easy/hard it is to get a job but we had 20 apps for a job that ended up being filled internally.

I was agreeing with you that not everyone will check every box in school, but that is ok.

I'm worried about my CV being bare too, but with a wife and a kid, it's just hard to be motivated to get involved. I feel like I get so much more out of working (plus a paycheck) that advanced my pharmacy career. I mean, I love dance-off's, toothbrush drives, and hosting alumni; but I also like to practice pharmacy. I just hope it doesn't come back to bite me.

So I'm starting to freak out about the leadership stuff. I've been on the executive board for our chapter of the state organization, served on an advisory group for ASHP, been an abstract reviewer for AACP (not really leadership but a cool experience), and that's pretty much it. Is that enough for top residencies (yale, BMC, Mayo, Hopkins, etc) or am I pretty much screwed? It's looking like I'm going to pull off the 3.5 and next semester I'm going to bust my ass for a 3.6 with hopefully a 4.0 semester. I'll have a few publications by the time I enter the match and I'm going to pick the hardest rotations...working on getting one at the WHO too. I'm going to strive for maybe one at the FDA.

No Rho Chi though. Going to try again next year for PLS. Dropped out of the frat for personal reasons that weren't my fault.

It's two years in and I feel so behind compared to some of my classmates in terms of leadership big popularity contest and they all vote for their friends

Tomorrow is nomination day for class rep and I'm wondering if I should give it a shot.

Edit: I'm also in the COP jazz band. Research experience, rural health program, PhD blah blah.

If leadership gets the highest points, I don't know what I'll do

Originally Posted by rxlea

So I'm starting to freak out about the leadership stuff. I've been on the executive board for our chapter of the state organization, served on an advisory group for ASHP, been an abstract reviewer for AACP (not really leadership but a cool experience), and that's pretty much it. Is that enough for top residencies (yale, BMC, Mayo, Hopkins, etc) or am I pretty much screwed? It's looking like I'm going to pull off the 3.5 and next semester I'm going to bust my ass for a 3.6 with hopefully a 4.0 semester. I'll have a few publications by the time I enter the match and I'm going to pick the hardest rotations...working on getting one at the WHO too. I'm going to strive for maybe one at the FDA.

No Rho Chi though. Going to try again next year for PLS. Dropped out of the frat for personal reasons that weren't my fault.

It's two years in and I feel so behind compared to some of my classmates in terms of leadership big popularity contest and they all vote for their friends

Tomorrow is nomination day for class rep and I'm wondering if I should give it a shot.

Edit: I'm also in the COP jazz band. Research experience, rural health program, PhD blah blah.

If leadership gets the highest points, I don't know what I'll do

I don't think any one thing gets the "most points"; leadership isn't more valued than good clinical decision making skills and understanding, which it sounds like you are gaining. I think you are being much too hard on yourself as you sound very well rounded and successful overall.

Only run for class rep if you really want to be the class rep. It would be a bit of a curse if you only did it for CV reasons and were elected.

Originally Posted by rxlea

So I'm starting to freak out about the leadership stuff. I've been on the executive board for our chapter of the state organization, served on an advisory group for ASHP, been an abstract reviewer for AACP (not really leadership but a cool experience), and that's pretty much it. Is that enough for top residencies (yale, BMC, Mayo, Hopkins, etc) or am I pretty much screwed? It's looking like I'm going to pull off the 3.5 and next semester I'm going to bust my ass for a 3.6 with hopefully a 4.0 semester. I'll have a few publications by the time I enter the match and I'm going to pick the hardest rotations...working on getting one at the WHO too. I'm going to strive for maybe one at the FDA.

No Rho Chi though. Going to try again next year for PLS. Dropped out of the frat for personal reasons that weren't my fault.

It's two years in and I feel so behind compared to some of my classmates in terms of leadership big popularity contest and they all vote for their friends

Tomorrow is nomination day for class rep and I'm wondering if I should give it a shot.

Edit: I'm also in the COP jazz band. Research experience, rural health program, PhD blah blah.

If leadership gets the highest points, I don't know what I'll do

Lea, what are your ultimate goals? Will you achieve them through your PhD program , or a residency program? I'm not saying you can't do both, but is it worth running yourself into the ground over?

"Leadership" doesn't always come through an elected position. It can start from the bottom up as well.

Originally Posted by Rx MPLS

I don't think any one thing gets the "most points"; leadership isn't more valued than good clinical decision making skills and understanding, which it sounds like you are gaining. I think you are being much too hard on yourself as you sound very well rounded and successful overall.

Only run for class rep if you really want to be the class rep. It would be a bit of a curse if you only did it for CV reasons and were elected.

Originally Posted by Rockinacoustic

Lea, what are your ultimate goals? Will you achieve them through your PhD program , or a residency program? I'm not saying you can't do both, but is it worth running yourself into the ground over?

"Leadership" doesn't always come through an elected position. It can start from the bottom up as well.

My ideal job? A hybrid faculty/clinician position. Lots of our faculty do that. Residency would allow me to work as a specialist. ThePhd will allow me to teach and do research. I'd like to go for "big name" residency because that would give me A better shot at a faculty spot (I think?). Plus I hear awesome things about places like that.

edit although my mentor said I'd get good training at lots of places that aren't big name. I'm very much interested in rural health. But IHS is very competitive in my state. I'd have to work on networking with other rural sites.

I don't know. I feel confused half the time.

Originally Posted by TemSirolimus

Dude, or duddete, dont worry.

You have two years left to start serious networking. I mean know as many pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy drivers as possible for the next two years. Many here are A type, smart people who will argue that you will only be competitive if you have a stellar CV (see Z's) thread. That is not all true.

Im not BS-ing you. How about this for proof. I had no work experience, no clubs/organizations thru pharm school, not a single professional meeting, no residency, 3.65 gpa yet had 2 hospital offers, LTC and retail. The kicker is this is all in the saturated east cost. I picked LTC.

I cant overemphasize the importance of networking. Know the right people and doors will open for you my friend. Add a touch of good attitude.

If this was more than 5 years ago then it doesn't count. LOL...

Originally Posted by SHC1984

If this was more than 5 years ago then it doesn't count. LOL...

true dat...only that I am a 2011 grad.

I always wonder if some types of leadership experiences or involvement are considered more valuable than others. I almost feel that work-based leadership might be more valued than school-based, but this is just a guess on my part.

Originally Posted by Rx MPLS

I always wonder if some types of leadership experiences or involvement are considered more valuable than others. I almost feel that work-based leadership might be more valued than school-based, but this is just a guess on my part.

That's what I'm hoping! I have lots of work experience.

Originally Posted by Rx MPLS

I don't think any one thing gets the "most points"; leadership isn't more valued than good clinical decision making skills and understanding, which it sounds like you are gaining. I think you are being much too hard on yourself as you sound very well rounded and successful overall.

Only run for class rep if you really want to be the class rep. It would be a bit of a curse if you only did it for CV reasons and were elected.

Might not be common place but definitely happens. I've heard this from multiple sources about a local program. But then again, its a pretty competitive program regionally.

Originally Posted by rxlea

That's what I'm hoping! I have lots of work experience.

I don't think you have anything to worry about with your career goals and amount of inpatient experience. Its harder for us retailers to switch horses mid race

All the same, I think its always important to evaluate your weak points and try to improve them - in my case, looking for holes in my CV compared to what an ideal CV would have. I've got about a year left before apps and will be stepping far outside my comfort zone to round out a confident CV.

I hope this isn't too much of a derail for the thread, but I think it does apply.

Everyone should go read "The Startup of You" by Reid Hoffman, the CEO and founder of Linkedin. It's a great read and he gives some very practical advice about networking and knowing what your "assets" are and how to improve them.