Major retail internships

[Memento9]

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Hi there I am currently a qualified pharmacist practising in the UK but i've started the lengthy process to move to the states. Long story short i received my FPGEC certificate last month. Based on my FGEE score i need to do 300 hours of intern work before i can take the Naplex and the Mpje exams. I was wondering at what time of the year do the applications for internships normally open? Also i can imagine that the likes of Walmart are going to favour american based students what realistic chance have I got of getting H1B sponsorship? Thank you for your time.

 

[genesis09]

Most of the large retailers have stopped accepting foreign grad interns because there are enough domestic grads. Some of the independents might still accept you but many won't pay you and you are responsible for your own visa requirements.

 

[Memento9]

Most of the large retailers have stopped accepting foreign grad interns because there are enough domestic grads. Some of the independents might still accept you but many won't pay you and you are responsible for your own visa requirements.

The problem with independents would be that although its probably better working conditions is whether they have the money/time to be bothered sorting out visas. For the visa i can't apply individually for the H1B the employer has to petition on my behalf. When you say most of the large retailers which are the ones which still accept foreign grads?

 

[Travex]

When you say most of the large retailers which are the ones which still accept foreign grads?

There is no blanket rule. It's very dependent on the area. You just need to find a sympathetic pharmacy and/or district manager who is willing to help you. Offering to volunteer/work for free will go a long way.

 

[Memento9]

There is no blanket rule. It's very dependent on the area. You just need to find a sympathetic pharmacy and/or district manager who is willing to help you. Offering to volunteer/work for free will go a long way.

Yeah i can understand that, obviously if i'd like to get paid for the internship and not burn through my savings but i'd be willing to refund the cost of filing the visa and working those 300 hours for free if that's what it took to get my foot in the door. Do you know which states generally have the most vacancies for pharmacists? Personally working in Washington state would be my preference but i'll work anywhere as an intern.