Here are my humble opinions on getting internships after finishing my 1st year.
-In my opinion, "word of mouth" is the strongest factor in getting a job. Reason being, too many interns out there looking for a job. Maintain a healthy reputation in school. Be a person that another person would like to work with. Ask a classmate/upperclassman already hired in a desired company whether there's an opening. Even if there's not, research the company culture and what questions are expected at the interview. It will help you in the future when there's a chance for an interview.
-Bring a good work ethic to your rotation sites. If lucky, you'll find an opportunity to apply there. Even if there is no opening, your preceptors will be willing to be a good reference (most places will ask for a pharmacist reference) for you as long as you did a good job.
-In the mean time, look for volunteering opportunities. It doesn't have to be a setting that you are necessarily targeting for. After I got into pharmacy school, I wanted to get a taste of everything that interested me and volunteered in different places despite having an intern job. Experiences outside of my comfort zone helped me build a better career perspective and gave me motivation to apply to the second job that I'm currently at. Volunteering helps you meet with pharmacists actually working in the field on a regular basis which I think is better than a networking night, etc. It also is a good way to earn experience and potential to be good at work.
-Keep revising/updating your resume by asking for other people to read it. My resume skill wasn't the best, so I sought for help from a pharmacist and also from a career center person. Comments I got from a pharmacist was priceless when I was applying for a second job.
Good luck and never think in the negative light. Stay on the hard-working side and you will get it!
