Help. Cant find summer job

[riks]

I have just finished my second year of pharmacy. Im just a bit worried that havent worked in a pharmacy before. I applied to boots lloyds, tesco, co op, summer placements and got rejected for all of them. I desperately need to get some experience in a pharmacy to help me understand the everyday workings in a pharmacy. Do I definately need to get work experience now. If I dont get any now will this mean I will have no experience and get refused for summer placements next year.

I am trying to get some work in an independent pharmacy. Whats the best way to ask them for a job. Shall I send my C.V with covering letter, ring the pharmacy, or shall I just walk into the pharmacy and ask the pharmacist if there is a job on offer. I will work voluntarily if that helps. Will this improve my chances of working in a pharmacy

Also are there any other students in the same situation or were in the same situation in the past. Im worried that many other students know more than me about pharmacy because they have worked in one. It feels like im lagging behind and I dont know anything about pharmacy.

Your comments and advice would be much appreciated

[johnep]

As soon as you knew you were going to train to be a pharmacist, then you should have started getting experience while still studying A levels.
I contacted the AM for BTC (in those days was called TGM (Territorial General Manager). Generally, the larger the store, the greater chance of working Saturdays.
johnep

[Nik]

Presumably the same poster regarding the urination offence ?
Many students have been in your position, worrying about getting experience while they are in uni. Only the lucky students have part-time pharmacy jobs going into uni nowadays. Most pick up a job at around your time. Some don't even get any experience of working in a retail pharmacy until the pre-reg, although I wouldn't recommend it as getting a pre-reg place will be much tougher.
If you've been rejected by the big co's, then try independents or smaller chains.

[johnep]

Set me thinking about 'percy plum' again.
johnep

[kl06229]

Have you looked at regular updates on your uni webpage? When I was still in pharmacy school, job offers for part time were frequently posted. Even if you do a bit of voluntary work, then you have something to write on your application form.

I myself didn't start working until 3rd year, but I'm doing ok in my pre reg right now. You do get some practical experience with part time and summer placements but expect to be used as a cheap pair of hands, unless you have a cool pharmacist happy to teach you stuff.