Finding work in the US

[lrpolo]

I got my foreign pharmacy graduate certification for the US. What's the best way for me to find an internship/job out there?

[johnep]

Understand that different states hacve slightly different requiremeants. go to USA student pharmacist site and you will get all help you need.
johnep

[lrpolo]

Sorry, which site is this, can you post the link?

[johnep]

THE PHARMACY FORUM - Index
johnep

[lrpolo]

Thanks for the link!

[pharout]

To find an intership, the best way is to go through a community pharmacy chain or hospital in the area you are seeking to live. It is not common practice for these positions to be advertised on many sites. For example, Walgreen's, CVS, Rite Aid are major chains always looking to lure people into working for them long term by offering internships. Be careful though, they may flash large sign-on bonuses too in which you will be obligated to pay back should you take it and not like the job (which is very common with these chains as the burnout rate is high). However, they meet the need for your internship hours and then you can part ways.

[lrpolo]

I thought that Walgreens etc would make you sign a contract tying you to work with them for like year after completing internship with then as a condition for them to apply for sponsorship with them.

[johnep]

I consider this to be quite reasonable on their part.
Done by multiples in UK sponsoring EU pharmacists.
johnep

[pharout]

Originally Posted by lrpolo

I thought that Walgreens etc would make you sign a contract tying you to work with them for like year after completing internship with then as a condition for them to apply for sponsorship with them.

This is usually not the case. The sign-on bonuses they offer (sometimes in the neighborhood of $30,000) are what is used to obligate you for a set number of years (I believe usually 3 based on the students I've had). They also help some students with student loans while they are "in school". If you accept these, then I believe you owe them a year for each year you accept payment. In either case you can get out of these, however, you will be required to pay back the money. If you are simply looking for an internship, I think they would hire you to fulfill this just make sure you don't sign anything..

[lrpolo]

Ah, the good old don't sign anything trick. This is all very reassuring and informative, the thought of having to work for Walgreens for more than a year was quite depressing.