For someone interested in pharmaceuticals is it recommended that they go to grad school right after they finish undergrad, or is it more beneficial for them to go directly into the workforce?

I would get a job as a pharmacy tech. This way the employer can assist with paying for your schooling also this will give you the opportunity to see what you will be doing and make sure it is the right fit for you.

Hi there, I also think I would be smart to first experience or know what kind of career path you are getting into before decided, you can try to work as a technician as a part time job or during summer to get some experiences. But If you know for sure you want to be a pharmacist then just apply to pharmacy school first, during school if you want to be more competitive then you can work as an intern or find a job as soon as you can for summer intern position start off the very first year, this way it get you in the door first. Also, pharmacy school have experience rotations during the last year of school so you would have opportunity to find what kind of carreer path you want to be in as well.

I think in the pharmacy school you get adequate training to become a pharmacist as well as a technician. Also, while in the school, you can do an internship in the summer or work as a technician part time. Many pharmacies also offer, what we call externship, for the time while you wait for your license.

I would agree about getting the exposure to the field as early as possible. This way you can see if it's what will work for you. However assistance with school is almost unheard of pharmacy anywhere within the standard workforce. The only possibility of that I believe would be an industry job. No retail store can afford to cover these costs. Maybe a hospital if you're lucky