my intern application experience

**pharmy** · 03-05-2010, 07:39 PM

I've been using this forum since I applied for FPGEE, and always found useful information. As I've done after passing FPGEE, I would like to share my experience as a feedback. Hopefully, it can help others.

I got my FPGEC certificate in Sep, 2009. Due to technical difficulty during background check, I did not get my intern registration card until Jan, 2010. I started searching for intern jobs since Oct, 2009, but only serious looking since Jan, 2010. I started with local hospitals, and the big chains. My experience was very similar to others' reported here, either no response or refusal because of no openings for foreign graduate. One manager even told me that if I am looking for tech or pharmacist job, he can offer me immediately. But for intern, they only deal with pharmacy school students. They even don't want volunteers. I was desperate.

I changed my angle. I started to call local independent pharmacies one by one. It was totally a different story then. One pharmacy agreed I can volunteer there. Another one gave me an interview. One week later, I got the offer. A FULL TIME JOB! I am so happy.

My suggestion: don't give up. Keep trying. Call them and try to talk to HR person or pharmacy recruiter. I was very lucky. It happened that the person in charge of HR answered my call and they happen to open a new store. You never know where opportunities are waiting for you. Good luck!

**divine06** · 03-05-2010, 08:36 PM

Hi Pharmy, congrats on finding a position for your internship. My question is whether you got a paid position or you are working on volunteer basis? thanks for your post.Also which state are you and how is the pay there like?

**kyu-kyu** · 03-06-2010, 01:16 AM

Hi!
I am new here in this forum but I've been an avid reader of this forum and everyone did a good job helping fellow foreign pharmacist like me...CONGRATULATIONS!

**ipharm** · 03-07-2010, 07:25 AM

hi pharmy. did you need visa sponsorship? thanks for your tips and best of luck to your job.

**pharmy** · 03-08-2010, 02:31 PM

I am in Ohio and do not need visa sponsorship. It's a paid position and the pay rate is moderate but with a complete benefit package. I cannot complain in this situation. I have to study hard to pass NAPLEX and MPJE as soon as possible, so I can move on.

**divine06** · 03-09-2010, 04:49 PM

I am happy for you pharmy, to get such position at this critical time is not easy, it's the Lord's doing. Goodluck in your internship and remaing two exams to come.

**rusty** · 03-10-2010, 01:29 AM

Hi Pharmy
I am so happy for you since I am in the same struggle of trying to find an intern post.I am prepared to work as a volunteer at this stage.How are you finding the job at this new place?Do they guide you?
All of you are probably more confident than I am since I haven't worked in a pharmaceutical environment for the past 8 years.Are people generally helpful in the work place or do they expect you to know it all.I don't know whether to pursue internship or to just forget it and try something else.

**xtinch** · 03-10-2010, 02:57 AM

Its true. Its very hard to get internship because the pharmacies need a contract with Pharmacy schools (the schools cover for the liability insurance). I did get a paid internship, albeit the pay wasn't as good as those with the chain pharmacies. However, its the experience the matters, right now. And they definitely do not expect you to know everything. That is why we're doing the internship; to learn more.

I am having a hard time finding internship with hospital pharmacies, though. For the same reason stated above. I am getting my own liability insurance but so far, the hospitals I've called has told me they DO need a contract with the school. For that reason, they prefer interns who are currently enrolled in a pharmacy school. But I'm not giving up. I trust the Lord has something out there for me.

**pinky786** · 03-10-2010, 03:42 AM

You guys are so lucky, I am trying hard to find internship in virginia state. no luck until now. Please keep us in your prayers.

**pharmy** · 03-26-2010, 07:15 PM

I have officially started my internship. I did not practice pharmacy before. Everything is new for me. The first day was hectic. We filled 300+ Rx. I did nothing but counting pills, which is also new for me. I am excited to learn everything. The head pharmacist and staff are nice and friendly. They are very patient with me. I am lucky to do my intern in such a good environment. Now I understand why TOEFL speaking is so important. Communication skill is a key in retail. At first, I was so nervous to answer phone calls. After a couple days of practice, now I am much better.

However, the biggest challenge for me is the brand/generic names, especially you have to hear them right over the phone. Any advice on that?