Workload

[ZeroC0mbine]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey guys,

Would you say that having 10 hours/week research + 9 hours/week work in a lab + 6-8 hours/week job as a pharmacy clerk is too much? I plan on starting work at a pharmacy during summer, but I am afraid that with research, work, and further work it would jeopardize my grades when school starts. I don't really want to leave the lab because I have so much experience there already. However, I feel that it's also necessary to obtain at least a year's worth of experience as a pharmacy clerk before applying. I could volunteer instead, but I heard that working is better. Currently, I'm only researching and working at the lab and I can really feel the stress already. Any advices would be appreciated. Thanks! 🙂

 

[twester]

I worked 20-30 hours a week at a bank with 15-17 semester hours. It was tough, but I managed to get through it. If you feel you need pharmacy experience, that's great. Keep in mind, though, that people do get into pharm school without it. They don't get into pharm school without really good grades, however. So dive in, but be prepared to make adjustments as necessary.

 

[binghamkid]

There's really no difference whether you work as a clerk or volunteer. If your grades suffer because of your extracurriculars, it's not worth it. What's important is when you get to that interview whether you have something of substance to talk about. Whether you volunteered or worked, it's all the same. Your research is something that stands out; it sounds like you've dedicated a lot of time to it and you should really polish that a bit and make it a centerpiece in your application. When I went to my interview, I had only shadowed a few pharmacists here and there in different settings. I did a fair bit of hospital volunteering and research, but not much pharmacy-specific. It's not required; they're looking for a mentality that you have to have as a professional, not a rigid requirement as a pharmacist. That's why you're going to pharmacy school; to learn how to be a pharmacist. If everyone had to work in a pharmacy, they would make it a requirement. It's just one possible way to showcase your potential as a healthcare professional. There are other ways to do so.

 

[gsinccom]

twester and binghamkid I would like to echo you both; great advice!

 

[binghamkid]

Sure =P