2 answers
Taryn
Student
Huntley, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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How did you gain experience throughout college, clubs; internships; research, in order to have skills and helpful experience for internships and jobs?
I am a first-year in college looking to develop the necessary skills to prepare for internships in the clinical research and pharmaceutical industry. #Spring26
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2 answers
Mary Ehrgott
Pharmacist in HIV specialty setting
27
Answers
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Mary’s Answer
My college had professors who researched drug formulations for efficacy and bioavailability. I worked with the faculty and grad students in performing studies and our work was published in a journal.
I advise you to take as many relevant classes, i.e., biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, chemistry, physics, linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis, and abstract algebra, statistics. Participate in research studies conducted @ your college if available. Visit nearby pharmaceutical companies and take tours if offered. Talk to guidance counselor at school who may have connections with pharmaceutical companies… attend their job fairs just to get an idea of what they require for employment and various jobs you might be interested in.
I advise you to take as many relevant classes, i.e., biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, chemistry, physics, linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis, and abstract algebra, statistics. Participate in research studies conducted @ your college if available. Visit nearby pharmaceutical companies and take tours if offered. Talk to guidance counselor at school who may have connections with pharmaceutical companies… attend their job fairs just to get an idea of what they require for employment and various jobs you might be interested in.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
233
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Taryn,
There are many factors that contribute to a successful career.
Competence is at the very core of it. Competence looks at three critical areas that are essential for success.
Knowledge provides the very foundation for competence. Broad knowledge, both general and technical, enable us to act from an informed position. Depth and breadth of knowledge necessarily influence how useful we can be.
However, to be able to put knowledge and other resources at our disposal to good use, we need some critical skills. These skills include, amongst others, the ability to plan, schedule & execute activities/work; organize; collect, analyze & critically evaluate information; identify and solve problems; communicate effectively and work in teams. Mastering these skills ensures we put in our own share of work and seek & receive support from others. It is also important that we manage our time in an optimal manner - how well we do this influences how much we achieve each day.
The third aspect of competence is about our resolve and willingnesss to complete our important tasks on time, in full and to the required standard. This attribute is driven by personal qualities. Some of the important qualities include: commitment, perseverance, passion, curiosity, empathy, self-control, positive mindset, assertiveness, self-drive, attention to detail, willingnesss to take risks. Mastering and practicing them improves our emotional intelligence (EQ) - which is the single most important contributor to our success, especially at the place of work.
Opportunities for practical work are equally important. Practice gives us the opportunity to learn through experience. As such, opportunities for research, internships, mentorships and apprenticeships must be fully utilized as and when they become available.
Membership in professional bodies is another avenue for professional growth. Through them, you get exposed to professional ethics and standards, latest developments in your field of study/work, opportunities for collaboration.
Success, ultimately, comes from the love & desire for and interest in what you do.
The very best of luck in your studies.
There are many factors that contribute to a successful career.
Competence is at the very core of it. Competence looks at three critical areas that are essential for success.
Knowledge provides the very foundation for competence. Broad knowledge, both general and technical, enable us to act from an informed position. Depth and breadth of knowledge necessarily influence how useful we can be.
However, to be able to put knowledge and other resources at our disposal to good use, we need some critical skills. These skills include, amongst others, the ability to plan, schedule & execute activities/work; organize; collect, analyze & critically evaluate information; identify and solve problems; communicate effectively and work in teams. Mastering these skills ensures we put in our own share of work and seek & receive support from others. It is also important that we manage our time in an optimal manner - how well we do this influences how much we achieve each day.
The third aspect of competence is about our resolve and willingnesss to complete our important tasks on time, in full and to the required standard. This attribute is driven by personal qualities. Some of the important qualities include: commitment, perseverance, passion, curiosity, empathy, self-control, positive mindset, assertiveness, self-drive, attention to detail, willingnesss to take risks. Mastering and practicing them improves our emotional intelligence (EQ) - which is the single most important contributor to our success, especially at the place of work.
Opportunities for practical work are equally important. Practice gives us the opportunity to learn through experience. As such, opportunities for research, internships, mentorships and apprenticeships must be fully utilized as and when they become available.
Membership in professional bodies is another avenue for professional growth. Through them, you get exposed to professional ethics and standards, latest developments in your field of study/work, opportunities for collaboration.
Success, ultimately, comes from the love & desire for and interest in what you do.
The very best of luck in your studies.