According to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, pharmacy graduates who complete internships are more likely to secure employment following graduation. In fact, nearly 80% of pharmacy students who completed internships in 2019 received job offers from their internship sites.
As such, internships are a crucial part of a pharmacy student’s education and career development. However, finding and evaluating internships can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which opportunities will provide the most valuable experiences.
In this article, we will provide five tips for evaluating pharmacy internships, including factors to consider when selecting an internship, resources for finding opportunities, and expectations for interns. We will also examine what students can learn during internships and the benefits of seeking help throughout the internship process.
By following these tips, pharmacy students can make informed decisions about their internships and set themselves up for success in their future careers.
Benefits and Resources
The benefits and resources available for evaluating pharmacy internships are numerous and varied. One of the primary benefits of participating in an internship is gaining clinical experience, which can provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities and allow students to develop their skills in a real-world setting.
Additionally, internships can also help students understand the different career paths within pharmacy and provide networking opportunities that can be helpful in securing future employment.
To find and evaluate pharmacy internships, students can utilize a variety of resources. University career services can be a great place to start, as they often have information about available internships and can provide guidance on the application process. Employment websites and professors can also be valuable resources for finding internships.
Ultimately, the key to successfully evaluating pharmacy internships is to set realistic expectations, learn from past interns, and ask for help when needed. By doing so, students can maximize their learning and skill development during their internship experience.
Factors to Consider
When assessing potential pharmacy internships, it is crucial to carefully consider various factors such as deadlines, requirements, and past intern experiences to ensure a successful and beneficial experience. Firstly, it is important to note deadlines for applications and requirements, such as GPA or specific coursework, to ensure eligibility for the internship. Additionally, starting the search for an internship early can increase the likelihood of being accepted with rolling admissions. Learning from past interns can also provide insight into what to expect during the internship and whether it aligns with personal career goals. Setting realistic expectations is also important, as students are not yet licensed professionals and may not have the same responsibilities as full-time staff.
Another factor to consider when evaluating pharmacy internships is the potential for networking opportunities and work-life balance. Interns may have the opportunity to attend department conferences and make connections with professionals in the field, which can be beneficial for future job opportunities. It is also important to consider the workload and schedule of the internship to ensure a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout. Overall, evaluating these factors can help ensure a successful and rewarding pharmacy internship experience.
| Factors to Consider | Importance |
|---|---|
| Deadlines | High |
| Requirements | High |
| Past Intern Experiences | Medium |
| Realistic Expectations | High |
| Networking Opportunities | Medium |
| Work-Life Balance | Medium |
Insight and Expectations
Insight and expectations surrounding pharmacy internships can be gained through the experiences of past interns and understanding the realistic responsibilities that may be assigned to students. Glassdoor and LinkedIn can provide valuable information about past interns’ experiences, giving prospective interns a glimpse into what they can expect during their own internship.
It is important to remember that students are not yet licensed professionals, and therefore, realistic expectations should be set. Internship challenges may include completing health forms correctly for hands-on clinical experience or shadowing, meeting deadlines, and fulfilling requirements. However, interns may also have the opportunity to keep things running smoothly, sit in on department conferences, and make rounds, giving them valuable experience in the field.
An important aspect of student development during internships is the ability to ask for help. Peers or mentors can assist with cover letters, resumes, or CVs, giving students a better chance of securing an internship. Additionally, learning from past interns can help students understand the challenges they may face and how to overcome them.
It is important for students to approach internships with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, as this experience can greatly impact their future career paths within pharmacy. By gaining insight into past internship experiences and setting realistic expectations, students can make the most out of their pharmacy internships and develop into successful professionals.
Summary and Conclusion
Pharmacy internships offer an excellent opportunity for pharmacy students to gain hands-on clinical experience and shadow current pharmacists. However, not all internships are created equal. It is essential to evaluate potential internships before applying for them.
The first factor to consider in evaluating an internship is to review deadlines and requirements. Different pharmacy internships have different requirements and deadlines, such as specific majors or years. It is essential to read the website carefully to understand whether you have fulfilled all the requirements and to contact the coordinators if you are confused.
Starting the internship search early is also crucial. The earlier you start your search, the more time you have to ask coordinators questions and receive responses before submitting applications. Additionally, with rolling admissions, your chances of acceptance are higher when you apply early.
Learning from the experiences of past interns is also helpful in evaluating internships. Websites may provide limited insight into the daily activities of an internship. Therefore, using websites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn to find past interns and ask them questions about their experiences is a more effective way to understand the internship’s nature.
Setting realistic expectations is also important. As a student, you are not yet a licensed professional, and you may be limited in the role you can legally and ethically play. Therefore, it is crucial to start the internship with realistic expectations and ask questions always.
Finally, it is essential to ask for help reviewing your cover letter, resume, or CV. Experienced peers or mentors can be helpful in reviewing your application materials.
In conclusion, pharmacy internships are an excellent opportunity for pharmacy students, but it is important to evaluate potential internships before applying. Factors like reviewing deadlines and requirements, starting your search early, learning from past interns’ experiences, setting realistic expectations, and asking for help with reviewing your application materials are essential in evaluating potential pharmacy internships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of tasks and responsibilities will pharmacy interns typically have?
Pharmacy interns may perform daily tasks such as dispensing medications, counseling patients, and communicating with healthcare providers. They gain hands-on experience in a supervised setting and work within the scope of practice defined by their state’s laws and regulations.
How do pharmacy internships vary between different regions or states?
Regional differences in pharmacy internships may exist due to employer requirements, such as varying state regulations and practice settings. These differences may impact the type of clinical experience and career paths available to interns.
What percentage of pharmacy interns go on to secure employment in the same organization?
Job prospects and retention rates for pharmacy interns vary depending on the organization. While some interns may be offered permanent positions, others may need to seek employment elsewhere. Statistical data on this topic is limited.
What are some common challenges that pharmacy interns may face?
Pharmacy interns may encounter challenges such as time management and lack of mentorship support. These obstacles can be overcome with proper strategies and seeking assistance from peers or mentors.
How do pharmacy internships contribute to the overall education and training of future pharmacists?
Pharmacy internships provide valuable clinical experience and insight into industry trends, contributing to the education and training of future pharmacists. Importance of networking cannot be overstated, and seeking help from peers and mentors can enhance their overall experience.
