Morgan Carson-Marino, PharmD, MS, is the APhA member relations resident in Washington, DC.
In part 3 of our advice series, you’ll learn practical tips to help you reach your full potential from APhA New Practitioner Network members. We hope the following advice can provide guidance for you as you move forward in pharmacy school and your career.
Carly Harsha, PharmD
Philadelphia, PA
Check in with yourself. Starting a career can be overwhelming, especially with the multiple areas of pharmacy you can work in, and internal and external expectations for yourself. Take some time to reflect on your values and use them as a lighthouse in a sea of decisions and options. What job or leadership opportunity will help you stay true to the things that matter most to you? Maybe it’s deciding to not do something because it won’t allow you to prioritize what you need. Remember, your values can and will likely change throughout your life, and that is okay!
Stay connected with your circle. There are so many people in your life: family, friends, colleagues, educators, role models, and so many more. Talk to and check in with these people regularly, even if it’s been a few months or a year. Maybe it’s an update about your fluffy new dog or a simple “Hello!” Or maybe you’re asking them for advice or how they got to where they are today. These relationships will support you and help you feel grounded. There is so much to learn from others’ experiences.
Nimit Jindal, PharmD
Washington, DC
Nontraditional careers have nontraditional pathways! Nontraditional careers, by their very definition, may not have pharmacy-centered pathways. Sometimes, you will have to create your own pathway, which requires you to take on more risk than you might find comfortable. To get these careers, break any tunnel vision you might have and approach next steps with a beginner’s mind. Think about opportunities outside pharmacy, connect with a wide array of professionals, and be willing to turn down an immediate opportunity just because you know it isn’t right for you. What are you willing to risk to get what you need?
Laurie Plewinski, PharmD (pictured)
Madison, WI
Know your core values and motivators. When choosing the next step in your career, it’s important to assess how your decision aligns with your core values and motivators. Take time to reflect on your personal and professional goals and make sure that your workplace will be able to support these goals, including everything from family planning to professional organization involvement. Next, reflect on what motivates you in your career; this can include the size of your paycheck, your schedule, mentoring learners, recognition, etc. Include pointed questions to prospective employees to assess if their values and modes of motivation align with yours.
Find a mentor
Mentorship and the ability to be coached should never end. Most highest-level leaders do not make important decisions without the input of their mentors. Establish your trusted and respected mentors as soon as possible and connect with them often. When you connect, make sure to listen more than you speak. Having a mentor is beneficial for getting constructive feedback, celebrating wins, and improving overall professional and emotional well-being.