Answering question about contact with pharmacists when you have 0 experience?

[sUrface]

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I tried applying to every Giant/Safeway/CVS/RiteAid/Kmart in my area two years in a row to become a pharm tech and not one got back to me. The second year was after I graduated from college with a BS in Chem. The second year I actually went in a talked to a few of the managers after applying and they said they still have to go through the online system. I also asked to volunteer or shadow and the response was that it wasnt covered by insurance and they dont do that type of thing.

For the suppl. application question should I mention that I tried to find a job to get experience with no success or leave it at the fact that I just have no experience and not make excuses?

 

[SmKN808]

I tried applying to every Giant/Safeway/CVS/RiteAid/Kmart in my area two years in a row to become a pharm tech and not one got back to me. The second year was after I graduated from college with a BS in Chem. The second year I actually went in a talked to a few of the managers after applying and they said they still have to go through the online system. I also asked to volunteer or shadow and the response was that it wasnt covered by insurance and they dont do that type of thing.

well, what can you do eh...? it's not your fault the economy's in the s***ter!!! just the way it is for now. besides! i'm sure the adcoms are aware of such things. so, i wouldn't worry so much considering there ARE people getting accepted with NO pharmacy experience nonetheless. so yeah, keep your chin up...🙂

For the suppl. application question should I mention that I tried to find a job to get experience with no success or leave it at the fact that I just have no experience and not make excuses?

it's up to YOU really. i mean, if your feeling insecure about NOT mentioning it? then, by all means...please! do. hell, it's YOUR life we're talking here right[okay, maybe i exaggerated a bit ^ ^]? but, anyway... from what i heard in other threads, i wouldn't because you want the adcom to stay smiling for a lack of betters while reviewing your app and limit the negatives to a minimum if not ANY sort a speak. although, if you ARE fortunate enough to land an interview? just be prepared to explain yourself, should they mention it then and good luck! by the way...

 

[ADN1226]

If you want to shadow a pharmacist in retail you should look for any independent pharmacies, they're more likely to allow it.

You could always volunteer in the hospital, see if they can place you in the pharmacy.

I don't think its a good idea to mention that you tried looking for jobs... I feel like the adcoms wouldn't care much. If you need to answer a question regarding pharmacist interaction then I would seek out a pharmacist and see if you can pick their brain, see what the job is like etc. The whole point to these questions is to see whether you actually understand what pharmacy is all about...

 

[aboveliquidice]

If you want to shadow a pharmacist in retail you should look for any independent pharmacies, they're more likely to allow it.

You could always volunteer in the hospital, see if they can place you in the pharmacy.

I don't think its a good idea to mention that you tried looking for jobs... I feel like the adcoms wouldn't care much. If you need to answer a question regarding pharmacist interaction then I would seek out a pharmacist and see if you can pick their brain, see what the job is like etc. The whole point to these questions is to see whether you actually understand what pharmacy is all about...

+1

The ADCOM doesn't want to hear stories of anything but accomplishment and success in your application. I would also focus my search for volunteer work in hospitals (shadowing or volunteer). Independents are also more likely to allow you to shadow / volunteer. The red cross is another group that is often overlooked.

Keep at it - keep knocking on doors, utilize networking over cold calls (but continue to cold call), and you will eventually get a break.

 

[pepperjill]

+1

The ADCOM doesn't want to hear stories of anything but accomplishment and success in your application. I would also focus my search for volunteer work in hospitals (shadowing or volunteer). Independents are also more likely to allow you to shadow / volunteer. The red cross is another group that is often overlooked.

Keep at it - keep knocking on doors, utilize networking over cold calls (but continue to cold call), and you will eventually get a break.

Hi aboveliquidice, I was just wondering what opportunities the Red Cross has for pre-pharmacy students? I currently work for them and I'm not aware of any pharmacy opportunities but that would be awesome if they did have some!