Exposition 1: Patching Your Student Quilt

People always ask me- “Well Alex, where or how should I get started?”

I have seen the curriculum vitae of many insightful leaders over the years, but the trademark lesson is- there is no singular path. There are so many stories, so many resumes, so many trajectories that have started and finished in unique ways. No one way is perfect, so start with at least one or two pharmacy organizations; I often recommend one national and a state-affiliate. It’s an accumulation, not a creation. And it starts with your aspiration to fulfill your inspiration. Here are the ideas I tell student pharmacists to develop or prepare for:

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-Be well rounded

-Maintain a decent GPA or better

-Hold a conversation

-Volunteer for your community

-Life-experiences, social interactions

-Passion and motivation

-Maintain emotional integrity

-Get in a publication

-Do a poster

-Practice the interview and master your Curriculum Vitae

-Go to organizational events

-Network with professors and preceptors

-Get the clinical/retail experience as well

-Attend industry webinars and live conferences

-Attend regional and national meetings

-Seek out specialty related internships

-Apply for a national organization council

-Apply for a regional or state committee position

-Chair a health fair activity through your school or community

-Seek out APPEs that may require supplemental applications or moving out-of-state

-Research the pathway for a post-graduate fellowship or residency

-Get to know companies and explore websites

-Acquire letters of recommendation

-Organize calendars and outline dates- some programs prefer to identify candidates before Midyear

-Make an attempt to apply for scholarships…because you never know!

-Stay focused and don’t letter others with dissimilar goals distract you

-Get business cards and possibly send thank you letters/emails

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What else would you suggest students to keep in mind as they begin their journey?