Career-Rx Volume 3 Winter 2023 Edition

CAREERX Inspirations

TELLING YOUR CAREER STORY AND DOING IT WELL

DR ANAM NAWAB AN-RX JOURNEY TO MEDICAL WRITING

NEW PHARMACIST ON THE NEED FOR A BEGINNERʼS MINDSET

09

THINGS I WISH I KNEW

YOUR JOB SEARCH A MULTI-RESOURCE APPROACH FOR SUCCESS

THE ADVANCING PHARMACY LEADER:

TAKING INVENTORY FOR CAREER PREPARATION

WINTER 2023

RAISE YOUR SELF-TRAITS

CONTENTS

FROM THE EIC COUCH

4. NEW PHARMACIST NEW HORIZONS

There is an organizational shift occurring from a primary focus on needs and deficiencies to a focus on possibilities, gifts and strengths.

On the importance of having a beginnerʼs mindset for a new career journey.

7. 21ST CENTURY SKILLS FOR

~ Peter Block

THE NEW PRACTITIONER Itʼs not just literacy. Learning and Life too.

14. SELF-ISH LEADERSHIP TRAITS

5 key self-mastery traits for beginners that help with career advancement.

16. PROFILE: ALT+ PHARMACIST MEDICAL PUBLICATIONS How one new practitioner walked the certification pathway into a career in medical publications.

22. WHAT I WISH I KNEW..

Early to mid-career pharmacists take a look back on their pharmacy school curriculum.

24. TAKING A WORK VALUES INVENTORY

10. TELLING YOUR CAREER STORY WELL

The need to take a work values inventory in addition to interests and skills for a rounded career portfolio.

A

s an educator, in one of my many roles, I really enjoy welcoming a new crop of first year professional pharmacy students. The joy, the enthusiasm, the wonder mixed with a good dose of uncertainty.

The “I can’t believe I actually got into pharmacy school and will become a professional soon” aura around the first year students is one I love to see every year. Knowing that as surely as the sun rises and sets, in another eight semesters, many of those same students would walk across the stage for their doctoral hooding.

After the studying comes the practice, in whatever sphere a newly minted pharmacist chooses to try or explore. For many pharmacists , the looming repayment of student loans may force their hands into taking the first jobs they find. And this is totally fine. I’m here to tell you dear new practitioner that

you can do the first things first, and watch it move your career forward.

In a direction that works for you.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

You can follow the yellow brick road and if when you get to coveted Emerald City, you find that it’s not what you wanted, you can always revert course. Whichever way you go, you will find yourself needing “a brain”, “a heart” and plenty of “courage.” The first two you already have (in oodles too if I may add). The third one comes to those who try and even if they don’t succeed at first, they try and try until they get a dream job or two or three. And you realize that along the way courage and strength of mind and character were your companions along the way.

In this edition of Career-Rx, we focus on you, the new pharmacy practitioner and the tools and resources you need for the exciting journey ahead.You will hear from a new practitioner who I now have the privilege of calling a colleague after being her teacher for a few.

We hope you enjoy this as much as we did doing the interview for the practitioner section.

OTITO F. IWUCHUKWU, PhD, MA

Welcome to Career-Rx. “Where we help you with tools to take inspired action on your career journey”

Editor-in-Chief Your Pharm +AltAdvocate

Career-Rx Winter 2023. ISSN 977-277132-007. All Rights Reserved. Get Fab Editorial Communications and Publishing makes no representation as to the efficacy of information provided herein. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the express permission of the publisher.

Editor-in-Chief Otito Iwuchukwu Guest Editor Adebukola Imoyo

2

CAREER-Rx-MAGAZINE

Cover Photography Stanley Okpor Image Consultant Oktionz Images

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

3

CONTENTS

FROM THE EIC COUCH

4. NEW PHARMACIST NEW HORIZONS

There is an organizational shift occurring from a primary focus on needs and deficiencies to a focus on possibilities, gifts and strengths.

On the importance of having a beginnerʼs mindset for a new career journey.

7. 21ST CENTURY SKILLS FOR THE NEW PRACTITIONER

~ Peter Block

Itʼs not just literacy. Learning anf Life too.

14. SELF-ISH LEADERSHIP TRAITS

5 key self-mastery traits for beginners that can help with career advancement.

16. PROFILE: ALT+ PHARMACIST MEDICAL PUBLICATIONS How one new practitioner walked the certification pathway into a creer in medical publications

22. WHAT I WISH I KNEW..

Early to mid-career pharmacists take a look back onn their pharmacy school curriculums

24. TAKING A WORK VALUES INVENTORY

10. TELLING YOUR CAREER STORY WELL

The need to take a work values inventory in addition to interests and skills for a rounded career portfolio.

A

s an educator, in one of my many roles, I really enjoy welcoming a new crop of first year professional pharmacy students. The joy, the enthusiasm, the wonder mixed with a good dose of uncertainty.

The “I can’t believe I actually got into pharmacy school and will become a professional soon” aura around the first year students is one I love to see every year. Knowing that as surely as the sun rises and sets, in another eight semesters, many of those same students would walk across the stage for their doctoral hooding.

After the studying comes the practice, in whatever sphere a newly minted pharmacist chooses to try or explore. For many pharmacists , the looming repayment of student loans may force their hands into taking the first jobs they find. And this is totally fine. I’m here to tell you dear new practitioner that

you can do the first things first, and watch it move your career forward.

In a direction that works for you.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

You can follow the yellow brick road and if when you get to coveted Emerald City, you find that it’s not what you wanted, you can always revert course. Whichever way you go, you will find yourself needing “a brain”, “a heart” and plenty of “courage.” The first two you already have (in oodles too if I may add). The third one comes to those who try and even if they don’t succeed at first, they try and try until they get a dream job or two or three. And you realize that along the way courage and strength of mind and character were your companions along the way.

In this edition of Career-Rx, we focus on you, the new pharmacy practitioner and the tools and resources you need for the exciting journey ahead.You will hear from a new practitioner who I now have the privilege of calling a colleague after being her teacher for a few.

We hope you enjoy this as much as we did doing the interview for the practitioner section.

OTITO F. IWUCHUKWU, PhD, MA

Welcome to Career-Rx. “Where we help you with tools to take inspired action on your career journey”

Editor-in-Chief Your Pharm +AltAdvocate

Career-Rx Winter/ Fall 2023. ISSN 977-277132-007. All Rights Reserved. Get Fab Editorial Communications and Publishing makes no representation as to the efficacy of information provided herein. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the express permission of the publisher.

Editor-in-Chief Otito Iwuchukwu Guest Editor Adebukola Imoyo

2

CAREER-Rx-MAGAZINE

Cover Photography Stanley Okpor Image Consultant Oktionz Images

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

3

NEW PHARMACIST. NEW HORIZONS. Taking Off With a Beginner’s Mindset

mindset is having an attitude of openness, eagerness and a lack of preconception toward any new venture or course of action.

Remember the feeling of starting pharmacy school. The joy and excitement. The notreally knowing what lies ahead but knowing you were there to succeed and graduate as a pharmacist.

Those same feelings and ideas are the beginner mindset advantage Ithat you possess.

Why do I need a Beginner’s Mindset?

YOU HAVE A SOLID ADVANTAGE.

A

s a new practitioner, you have a solid advantage that many who have practiced for a while do not have.

Does this surprise you? What advantage might we be talking about here?

It’s the advantage of the beginner’s mind or mindset.

A beginner’s mindset is like a tabula rasa or a blank slate.

Having no presumptions or assumptions about what a job or a career is like when going into it allows you to set your own learning expectations and experiences.

Not having assumptions is not the same as illusions. An assumption is something we have taken to be true, without proof, usually based on others’ experiences. An assumption would be the idea that retail pharmacy is x, y and z. And so we may go into a retail job expecting negative attitudes from customers and a long line through the drive through or any other assumption we have brought with us into the job.

While the stories of retail pharmacists for example may be true for those who tell those stories, for a person with no assumptions going in, they may find themselves with a caring supervisor, a good team behind the counter and a general appreciation from their patients and customers.

On the other hand, an illusion is what psychologists refer to as errors in perception due to unrealistic expectations from real life situations. That is to say, our brains tell us stories to fill in the gaps on what should be the case when it’s not and vice versa. What we see and the stories we tell about it are different. An illusion in the case of retail pharmacy might be presuming that my supervisor would have more time for many one on ones with me to guide me through my first weeks on the job. While the reality might be that because the supervisor has to cater for X number of locations within their district, they may not have the physical time due to the constraint of a 24 hour day.

Then we fill in the gaps and say the supervisor does not like us or that they don’t care about us.

Based on the examples above, we can see why having no assumptions can help us break free of the cynicism that can happen when what we believed about a job or career path turns out different from what we were expecting. With a beginner’s mindset, we would have no expectations based on prior experiences (whether our own or others’). Instead we would go into the situation, having high expectations instead of ourselves and our ability to learn on and from the job.

In essence a beginners mindset can help us: • •

avoid the trap of cynicism learn freely on the job and

• • •

out of it without bias or misconceptions be more objective about situations and people experience freedom from attachment to our stories improve our ability to teach others from a new perspective.

Can I Have a Beginner’s Mindset Over and Over Again?

The simple answer? Yes. People often confuse a beginner’s mindset with being a novice or a green horn.

Having a beginner’s mindset is not correlated with years of experience. Rather it’s an attitudinal shift and state of mind. Having a beginner’s mindset even when we come into a new situation or job can be a very useful thing to have because it allows us to be teachable. And when we are teachable, our capacity to learn from anyone and anything increases exponentially. One can continue to have a beginner’s mind; age and experience really have nothing to do with it.

While having an impressive GPA and credentials is great.

It’s the softer skills and ability to double down and learn without any presumptions that is crucial to career acceleration.

As we enter new horizons, may the beginner’s mind always go with us.

What is a Beginner’s Mindset?

Think of it as the fresh view; to the profession. You’ve never been a pharmacist before now so you have no truckload of experience (and its attendant baggage) to bring with you. The beginner’s 4

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

5

NEW PHARMACIST. NEW HORIZONS. Taking Off With a Beginner’s Mindset

mindset is having an attitude of openness, eagerness and a lack of preconception toward any new venture or course of action.

Remember the feeling of starting pharmacy school. The joy and excitement. The notreally knowing what lies ahead but knowing you were there to succeed and graduate as a pharmacist.

Those same feelings and ideas are the beginner mindset advantage Ithat you possess.

Why do I need a Beginner’s Mindset?

YOU HAVE A SOLID ADVANTAGE.

A

s a new practitioner, you have a solid advantage that many who have practiced for a while do not have.

Does this surprise you? What advantage might we be talking about here?

It’s the advantage of the beginner’s mind or mindset.

A beginner’s mindset is like a tabula rasa or a blank slate.

Having no presumptions or assumptions about what a job or a career is like when going into it allows you to set your own learning expectations and experiences.

Not having assumptions is not the same as illusions. An assumption is something we have taken to be true, without proof, usually based on others’ experiences. An assumption would be the idea that retail pharmacy is x, y and z. And so we may go into a retail job expecting negative attitudes from customers and a long line through the drive through or any other assumption we have brought with us into the job.

While the stories of retail pharmacists for example may be true for those who tell those stories, for a person with no assumptions going in, they may find themselves with a caring supervisor, a good team behind the counter and a general appreciation from their patients and customers.

On the other hand, an illusion is what psychologists refer to as errors in perception due to unrealistic expectations from real life situations. That is to say, our brains tell us stories to fill in the gaps on what should be the case when it’s not and vice versa. What we see and the stories we tell about it are different. An illusion in the case of retail pharmacy might be presuming that my supervisor would have more time for many one on ones with me to guide me through my first weeks on the job. While the reality might be that because the supervisor has to cater for X number of locations within their district, they may not have the physical time due to the constraint of a 24 hour day.

Then we fill in the gaps and say the supervisor does not like us or that they don’t care about us.

Based on the examples above, we can see why having no assumptions can help us break free of the cynicism that can happen when what we believed about a job or career path turns out different from what we were expecting. With a beginner’s mindset, we would have no expectations based on prior experiences (whether our own or others’). Instead we would go into the situation, having high expectations instead of ourselves and our ability to learn on and from the job.

In essence a beginners mindset can help us: • •

avoid the trap of cynicism learn freely on the job and

• • •

out of it without bias or misconceptions be more objective about situations and people experience freedom from attachment to our stories improve our ability to teach others from a new perspective.

Can I Have a Beginner’s Mindset Over and Over Again?

The simple answer? Yes. People often confuse a beginner’s mindset with being a novice or a green horn.

Having a beginner’s mindset is not correlated with years of experience. Rather it’s an attitudinal shift and state of mind. Having a beginner’s mindset even when we come into a new situation or job can be a very useful thing to have because it allows us to be teachable. And when we are teachable, our capacity to learn from anyone and anything increases exponentially. One can continue to have a beginner’s mind; age and experience really have nothing to do with it.

While having an impressive GPA and credentials is great.

It’s the softer skills and ability to double down and learn without any presumptions that is crucial to career acceleration.

As we enter new horizons, may the beginner’s mind always go with us.

What is a Beginner’s Mindset?

Think of it as the fresh view; to the profession. You’ve never been a pharmacist before now so you have no truckload of experience (and its attendant baggage) to bring with you. The beginner’s 4

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21st CENTURY SKILLS— FOR CAREER ENHANCEMENT The Job You Have Today Won’t Be the Same 5 Years From Now

T

his is not necessarily speaking to the fact that you will change jobs. But more to the fact that even if you never changed jobs, the job you are in would have changed due to unceasing winds of change; both personal, interpersonal and technological. The last wind being the most relevant for our day and time.

Anyone not living under a rock has heard of Generative AI. The latest tehnological innovation that entered our lives in one fell swoop last November. Stands to reason then that any 21st century skill we are going to be talking about will have technology acumen as a top one.

social, cultural ,and emotional intelligence, productivity, leadership While Literacy Skills include skills like Information, media and technological literacy.

What are 21st Century Skills Anyway?

Having briefly introduced the concept here, our task is to take a look at many of these skills and do a self-assessment on the following:

It seems like the phrase has been around forever. If you ask different educators and administrators, you would probably get different answers since their target audiences differ. The way one could introduce 21st century skill to those in high school would differ from how we conceptualize it being modeled for those in college and post graduate school.

The Partnership for 21st century skills has a framework that describes the skills, knowledge, and expertise that must be mastered by a learner in order to succeed at work and in life. In addition to academic knowledge, graduates should possess learning, life and literacy skills.

L

earning skills will include skills like critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. These are known as the 4Cs of the 21st century skills.

Life Skills include flexibility, adaptability, and agility, initiative-taking, social skills including

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified fundamental life skills such as decision-making, problem solving, creative thinking and critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills, self-awareness, empathy, and ability to cope with emotions and stress. There is a greater focus here on those broader psychosocial skills that can be improved over time with coaching and conscious effort.

1.

Which of them do I have and which do I need to work on?

2. How do I plan to work on the ones I have identified as not yet there 3. How will I keep myself accountable to learning and practicing them?

4. How will I know when I have attained a reasonable level of competency?

Take for example the skill of technological literacy, no matter how computer/ technologically savvy one was, everyone had to take a step back and begin learning how to handle or work with generative AI. As with any innovation that comes to the lay public, some will be early adopters while some will be laggards waiting until who knows how long to get on the bus. The early adopters are usually those high in the flexibility and adaptability skill as they quickly work to get on board with the new technology and all that it entails.

Article continues on next page

You are the best reflection of you, so shine bright.

6

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

7

21st CENTURY SKILLS— FOR CAREER ENHANCEMENT The Job You Have Today Won’t Be the Same 5 Years From Now

T

his is not necessarily speaking to the fact that you will change jobs. But more to the fact that even if you never changed jobs, the job you are in would have changed due to unceasing winds of change; both personal, interpersonal and technological. The last wind being the most relevant for our day and time.

Anyone not living under a rock has heard of Generative AI. The latest tehnological innovation that entered our lives in one fell swoop last November. Stands to reason then that any 21st century skill we are going to be talking about will have technology acumen as a top one.

What are 21st Century Skills Anyway?

It seems like the phrase has been around forever. If you ask different educators and administrators, you would probably get different answers since their target audiences differ. The way one could introduce 21st century skill to those in high school would differ from how we conceptualize it being modeled for those in college and post graduate school.

The Partnership for 21st century skills has a framework that describes the skills, knowledge, and expertise that must be mastered by a learner in order to succeed at work and in life. In addition to academic knowledge, graduates should possess learning, life and literacy skills.

L

earning skills will include skills like critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. These are known as the 4Cs of the 21st century skills.

Life Skills include flexibility, adaptability, and agility, initiative-taking, social skills including

social, cultural ,and emotional intelligence, productivity, leadership While Literacy Skills include skills like Information, media and technological literacy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified fundamental life skills such as decision-making, problem solving, creative thinking and critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills, self-awareness, empathy, and ability to cope with emotions and stress. There is a greater focus here on those broader psychosocial skills that can be improved over time with coaching and conscious effort.

Having briefly introduced the concept here, our task is to take a look at many of these skills and do a self-assessment on the following: 1.

Which of them do I have and which do I need to work on?

2. How do I plan to work on the ones I have identified as not yet there 3. How will I keep myself accountable to learning and practicing them?

4. How will I know when I have attained a reasonable level of competency?

Take for example the skill of technological literacy, no matter how computer/ technologically savvy one was, everyone had to take a step back and begin learning how to handle or work with generative AI. As with any innovation that comes to the lay public, some will be early adopters while some will be laggards waiting until who knows how long to get on the bus. The early adopters are usually those high in the flexibility and adaptability skill as they quickly work to get on board with the new technology and all that it entails.

Article continues on next page

You are the best reflection of you, so shine bright.

6

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

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7

s a graduate pharmacist and new practitioner, make it a habit to learn something new in order to keep your skill sets current as time marches on. Even if you were not taught in school, there are now dozens of ways to learn that do not involve a teacher in a classroom. As people say all the time in my crafting group, if you are not constantly attending the University of YouTube, then what are you doing? You can also learn a lot through online channels and through MOOCS like Udemy.

A

WOULD YOU RATHER?

Don’t let the winds of change rush past you.

W

Take charge of your skill development.

BE A PHARMACY INFLUENCER OR … hen you read the word pharmacy influencer in this day, what comes to mind for you?

The question asked in the title has another side to it. As you go into the work world, would you rather be an influencer or an inspiration to those around you and to those coming behind?

On Contextual Difference Between Influence and Inspiration Influence, according to the dictionary, is the capacity to— “have an effect on the character and behavior of someone or something; or the effect itself. It could also refer to the power to shape policy or to ensure favorable treatment from others through status, wealth or contacts.”

An influencer then as the noun agent, is a person who influences, and they do this by inspiration or by guidance. Merriam-Webster has added an updated definition describing an influencer as a person able to generate interest about something by posting it on social media.

That last definition is likely what we all think about when we use the term ‘influencer’, today.

Since I always think about the power of words and language, I notice that even when people do things based on an influencer's influence, they would not typically say they were influenced by so and so to do this or that.

What, then, is inspiration?

Inspiration as a noun can refer to an inspiring agent; a person who inspires (used in the influencer sense); the quality or state of being inspired; the act of drawing in air into the lungs; One reason for this may be the action or power of moving because there is a not-quite the intellect or emotions; or the positive connotation around act of influencing. And also, the being influenced, almost like theological meaning of a divine saying we were peer-pressured into doing something. We like to influence on a person, from a think that others can be peerdivine entity. pressured but not us. Meanwhile as social beings, we are generally more influenced by social proof than we like to think. Social proof being one of the six principles of influence discussed in Influence: Science and Practice, Robert Cialdini’s famed book.

Both terms are sort of sister cousins. Depending on the context in which we use them, they can serve as members of the same word family.

So, while we may be loath to say we are/were influenced, we can more gladly say, I was inspired

by X to do or try Y. All because

Would you rather be an influencer or an inspiration?

inspiration sounds so much more positive.

also produce different outcomes. And if we use outcomes as a measure of progress, then I know which side I would rather.

Inspiration as the name implies causes a quickening, it evokes an emotion or a sense of movement—moving both intellect and emotions.

A person who inspires usually moves people to do (mostly) good. If you think about this, then as a new pharmacist, remember to be an inspiration.

You never know who you might move, and when or where.

Just keep on being inspiring.

Back to the “Would You Rather”question.

I hear you saying — but aren’t they the same thing?

I would say while they might be synonyms somewhat, they can

8

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9

s a graduate pharmacist and new practitioner, make it a habit to learn something new in order to keep your skill sets current as time marches on. Even if you were not taught in school, there are now dozens of ways to learn that do not involve a teacher in a classroom. As people say all the time in my crafting group, if you are not constantly attending the University of YouTube, then what are you doing? You can also learn a lot through online channels and through MOOCS like Udemy.

A

WOULD YOU RATHER?

Don’t let the winds of change rush past you.

W

Take charge of your skill development.

BE A PHARMACY INFLUENCER OR … hen you read the word pharmacy influencer in this day, what comes to mind for you?

The question asked in the title has another side to it. As you go into the work world, would you rather be an influencer or an inspiration to those around you and to those coming behind?

On Contextual Difference Between Influence and Inspiration Influence, according to the dictionary, is the capacity to— “have an effect on the character and behavior of someone or something; or the effect itself. It could also refer to the power to shape policy or to ensure favorable treatment from others through status, wealth or contacts.”

An influencer then as the noun agent, is a person who influences, and they do this by inspiration or by guidance. Merriam-Webster has added an updated definition describing an influencer as a person able to generate interest about something by posting it on social media.

That last definition is likely what we all think about when we use the term ‘influencer’, today.

Since I always think about the power of words and language, I notice that even when people do things based on an influencer's influence, they would not typically say they were influenced by so and so to do this or that.

What, then, is inspiration?

Inspiration as a noun can refer to an inspiring agent; a person who inspires (used in the influencer sense); the quality or state of being inspired; the act of drawing in air into the lungs; One reason for this may be the action or power of moving because there is a not-quite the intellect or emotions; or the positive connotation around act of influencing. And also, the being influenced, almost like theological meaning of a divine saying we were peer-pressured into doing something. We like to influence on a person, from a think that others can be peerdivine entity. pressured but not us. Meanwhile as social beings, we are generally more influenced by social proof than we like to think. Social proof being one of the six principles of influence discussed in Influence: Science and Practice, Robert Cialdini’s famed book.

Both terms are sort of sister cousins. Depending on the context in which we use them, they can serve as members of the same word family.

So, while we may be loath to say we are/were influenced, we can more gladly say, I was inspired

by X to do or try Y. All because

Would you rather be an influencer or an inspiration?

inspiration sounds so much more positive.

also produce different outcomes. And if we use outcomes as a measure of progress, then I know which side I would rather.

Inspiration as the name implies causes a quickening, it evokes an emotion or a sense of movement—moving both intellect and emotions.

A person who inspires usually moves people to do (mostly) good. If you think about this, then as a new pharmacist, remember to be an inspiration.

You never know who you might move, and when or where.

Just keep on being inspiring.

Back to the “Would You Rather”question.

I hear you saying — but aren’t they the same thing?

I would say while they might be synonyms somewhat, they can

8

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9

TELLING YOUR CAREER STORY AND DOING IT WELL ~ Dr Otito Iwuchukwu

Every person’s story can be better told through deliberate practice

“W

The dictionary is very clear on the difference between confidence and boastfulness.

Being confident in your capabilities is a positive trait while boasting can sometimes veer toward delusional. And who wants to be labeled as such.

hat stories do you tell yourself?

I have a confession to make regarding the stories I told myself.

Oh! the stories I told myself about my winding career before now.

There’s now (new) research to show that hiding your success can actually impede relationships.

The study concludes that if you want to maintain relationships, it is definitely better to share than to hide.

Speaking to the general idea of keeping one’s success stories to oneself, the equivalent to putting your lamp under a bushel. I have found especially with certain cultures, including the one I was born into, there is a lot of resistance and hesitation to sharing what makes us great or outstanding.

Over the many years I have worked with very accomplished (mostly black/minority female) professionals, I have come to see that part of the issue is that we are simply not taught the language of storytelling with poise, confidence and assertion.

But, rather we tend to lump it under the umbrella of ‘boasting.”

10 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

Having grown up in a culture of “Let another praise you and not by your own mouth” I can tell you that unlearning these cultural artifacts with respect to the world of work is no easy feat.

taught the language of speaking about yourself without feeling like an impostor, then you may need help through skills based coaching.

Today there is all the talk on personal branding and rebranding which seem overthe-top to some but as the world becomes almost digital, there is more need for us to differentiate from all the noise out there.

In order to work, either as an entrepreneur or employee, you must be able to both show and TELL what you can do or what you bring to the potluck table— In other words, your VALUE-ability.

One open secret to learning to talk about yourself is to write about yourself. If you can get over the sometimes severe writer’s block that can come with trying to create a personal success and learning (or failure) inventory, it becomes easier to make that elevator speech (after practice to a point of natural flow).

The way the working world works, you could not get away from this even if you tried. Any performance evaluation cycle begins with you giving your selfassessment before your supervisor gives theirs.You are the best person to tell others about you because no one knows you more than you know yourself.

Being able to do this honestly and without undue stress takes practice and more practice.

However, if you have never been

If you are searching for a targeted job outcome, a resume writer can always help you in this regard. Remember, when you write you own it. So even if a resume or brand strategist helps you write it (whatever it may be), you should practice looking for avenues to write your success story and tie it to opportunities for impact whether on people (behavior), culture (behavior) or organizational processes and policies (outcomes).

Dear New Practitioner,

11

TELLING YOUR CAREER STORY AND DOING IT WELL ~ Dr Otito Iwuchukwu

Every person’s story can be better told through deliberate practice

“W

The dictionary is very clear on the difference between confidence and boastfulness.

Being confident in your capabilities is a positive trait while boasting can sometimes veer toward delusional. And who wants to be labeled as such.

hat stories do you tell yourself?

I have a confession to make regarding the stories I told myself.

Oh! the stories I told myself about my winding career before now.

There’s now (new) research to show that hiding your success can actually impede relationships.

The study concludes that if you want to maintain relationships, it is definitely better to share than to hide.

Speaking to the general idea of keeping one’s success stories to oneself, the equivalent to putting your lamp under a bushel. I have found especially with certain cultures, including the one I was born into, there is a lot of resistance and hesitation to sharing what makes us great or outstanding.

Over the many years I have worked with very accomplished (mostly black/minority female) professionals, I have come to see that part of the issue is that we are simply not taught the language of storytelling with poise, confidence and assertion.

But, rather we tend to lump it under the umbrella of ‘boasting.”

10 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

Having grown up in a culture of “Let another praise you and not by your own mouth” I can tell you that unlearning these cultural artifacts with respect to the world of work is no easy feat.

taught the language of speaking about yourself without feeling like an impostor, then you may need help through skills based coaching.

Today there is all the talk on personal branding and rebranding which seem overthe-top to some but as the world becomes almost digital, there is more need for us to differentiate from all the noise out there.

In order to work, either as an entrepreneur or employee, you must be able to both show and TELL what you can do or what you bring to the potluck table— In other words, your VALUE-ability.

One open secret to learning to talk about yourself is to write about yourself. If you can get over the sometimes severe writer’s block that can come with trying to create a personal success and learning (or failure) inventory, it becomes easier to make that elevator speech (after practice to a point of natural flow).

The way the working world works, you could not get away from this even if you tried. Any performance evaluation cycle begins with you giving your selfassessment before your supervisor gives theirs.You are the best person to tell others about you because no one knows you more than you know yourself.

Being able to do this honestly and without undue stress takes practice and more practice.

However, if you have never been

If you are searching for a targeted job outcome, a resume writer can always help you in this regard. Remember, when you write you own it. So even if a resume or brand strategist helps you write it (whatever it may be), you should practice looking for avenues to write your success story and tie it to opportunities for impact whether on people (behavior), culture (behavior) or organizational processes and policies (outcomes).

Dear New Practitioner,

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Note that this write-up is not referring to what I term those overused and buzzkill words that sound like they came out of a job seekers manual. Words like “experienced professional” or “passionate leader.” The question to ask her is who isn’t an experienced professional? And on what basis are you counting that experience?

Instead, think of words that are more likely to invoke curiosity because in the long run, you want people to say “Tell me more?” If you get into the practice of writing down your key success traits, it becomes easier to craft and tailor them to a job if you happen to be looking to switch jobs or careers. I call these curiosity invoking sentences a part of your value proposition statement or VPS. An example of an impactful statement that reflects where you are and where you would like to go:

“High-performing, multilingual, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduate (can also insert therapeutic area here), skilled in x, y, and z,

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while working within a matrix environment.

Currently prepared to take on roles in an area of interest” (Or currently seeking roles in x, y, and z).”

Now, x, y, and z will be different for different people based on their areas of experience and areas of interest. The key thing is that if you say you are skilled in doing the things you said, that you can indeed show evidence that you have done those things either in a resume or cover letter. Whatever words you use and no matter your age, make growth-oriented and taking ownership part of your list. As pharmacists, we should never stop learning (new couldn’t even if we tried, because with an active license you have to mandatorily go through continuing education).

As a professional, the onus is on us to continually take ownership for our stories, our attitudes and our behaviors especially as it relates to work.

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Note that this write-up is not referring to what I term those overused and buzzkill words that sound like they came out of a job seekers manual. Words like “experienced professional” or “passionate leader.” The question to ask her is who isn’t an experienced professional? And on what basis are you counting that experience?

Instead, think of words that are more likely to invoke curiosity because in the long run, you want people to say “Tell me more?” If you get into the practice of writing down your key success traits, it becomes easier to craft and tailor them to a job if you happen to be looking to switch jobs or careers. I call these curiosity invoking sentences a part of your value proposition statement or VPS. An example of an impactful statement that reflects where you are and where you would like to go:

“High-performing, multilingual, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduate (can also insert therapeutic area here), skilled in x, y, and z,

12 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

while working within a matrix environment.

Currently prepared to take on roles in an area of interest” (Or currently seeking roles in x, y, and z).”

Now, x, y, and z will be different for different people based on their areas of experience and areas of interest. The key thing is that if you say you are skilled in doing the things you said, that you can indeed show evidence that you have done those things either in a resume or cover letter. Whatever words you use and no matter your age, make growth-oriented and taking ownership part of your list. As pharmacists, we should never stop learning (new couldn’t even if we tried, because with an active license you have to mandatorily go through continuing education).

As a professional, the onus is on us to continually take ownership for our stories, our attitudes and our behaviors especially as it relates to work.

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

13

LEADERSHIP CORNER SELF(ISH) TRAITS FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT THE LEADERSHIP CORNER — Where we examine signal traits and qualities for competent leadership of self and others Welcome again to our leadership corner.

Where we examine signal traits, qualities and characteristics that make us stand out as a competent leader of self and others.

As new practitioners, you will hear various beliefs and conditions on which people expect you to build your career success upon. No matter what you are told, recognize that the key indicators for success and leadership in your chosen career begins with you The following synopsis include what I call key self-ish traits that can give you a jump start. These are not your usual traits as we know them because we are not necessarily born with them. But, we can grow into them, and with that the enhanced sense of self that can help us achieve goals with ease.

What are these traits?

Self-Worth: Having self-worth means you place value on yourself as a person worthy of respect and worthy of being treated well whether in life or at work. This is what allows you to put in your ticket for the jobs that will afford you the learning you desire so you can reach for the loftier goals.

Self-awareness: Or the conscious knowledge of one’s character. “Know thyself” and “To thy own self be true.”

Knowing one’s self and why we feel, think and act in certain ways. Self-awareness will

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help you to read the room (and outside of it). Self awareness is also what will make you know or quickly realize that certain jobs and careers are not a good fit. It’s better to know from the outset that the hole doesn’t fit as opposed to going in and trying to force fit yourself into it or them.

Self-confidence: Or the feeling of trust in your abilities. Self-confidence is what allows us to say/think that something may be difficult but we can do it. This is the trait that allows us to step into stretch assignments or roles without falling apart.

While we can talk about general selfconfidence, realize that self-confidence can also be contextual. One can be confident about different tasks to different degrees based on a known history of completing various tasks successfully. Self-confidence can also be situational. One can be a selfconfident person overall but still be a bit nervous about public speaking or presenting.

Self-appraisal: The self-evaluation of one’s performance during a specific period.

This is the one that so many people find hard because writing about one’s self is typically not the easiest thing to do. Due to cultural and societal nuances, one may be loath to use this trait lest we be seen as boasting or of exaggerating our worth. Tying this to a supervisor evaluation can make people suppress even the good things they did, because their managers may turn around and deflate their ratings simply because it can sometimes be a case of

forced rankings. No matter what a manager says or doesn’t say, learning how to evaluate oneself honestly and without hubris and documenting in an easily accessible place, makes it easier to have those elevator pitch conversations that sometimes arise serendipitously.

Self-advocacy: The last of the five we’re focusing on in this newsletter is the fuel to the rocket. I always tell my mentees and clients, no one can advocate for you better than you can for yourself. This trait is even more critical for marginalized identities. This is not to say that one should hate time and effort practicing or exhibiting self-advocacy in an environment that is unyielding. It’s more about developing the trait of speaking or writing up about one’s needs and wants as it pertains to career development. The beautiful thing about self-advocacy is that it’s expansive. The more we get better at practicing selfadvocacy, the more comfortable we get advocating for other people. And this to me is always a winning proposition.

Which of these self-ish traits would you like to develop more of as you progress in your career? And how do you plan to go about doing that.

In cultivating any of these traits, we should take care not to nurture one to the detriment of the other.

Our aim should be to work on enhancing all of them in order to bring us into the balance of knowing ourselves and what we stand for while valuing other people enough to take into consideration how our behaviors may impact them.

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

15

LEADERSHIP CORNER SELF(ISH) TRAITS FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT THE LEADERSHIP CORNER — Where we examine signal traits and qualities for competent leadership of self and others Welcome again to our leadership corner.

Where we examine signal traits, qualities and characteristics that make us stand out as a competent leader of self and others.

As new practitioners, you will hear various beliefs and conditions on which people expect you to build your career success upon. No matter what you are told, recognize that the key indicators for success and leadership in your chosen career begins with you The following synopsis include what I call key self-ish traits that can give you a jump start. These are not your usual traits as we know them because we are not necessarily born with them. But, we can grow into them, and with that the enhanced sense of self that can help us achieve goals with ease.

What are these traits?

Self-Worth: Having self-worth means you place value on yourself as a person worthy of respect and worthy of being treated well whether in life or at work. This is what allows you to put in your ticket for the jobs that will afford you the learning you desire so you can reach for the loftier goals.

Self-awareness: Or the conscious knowledge of one’s character. “Know thyself” and “To thy own self be true.”

Knowing one’s self and why we feel, think and act in certain ways. Self-awareness will

14 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

help you to read the room (and outside of it). Self awareness is also what will make you know or quickly realize that certain jobs and careers are not a good fit. It’s better to know from the outset that the hole doesn’t fit as opposed to going in and trying to force fit yourself into it or them.

Self-confidence: Or the feeling of trust in your abilities. Self-confidence is what allows us to say/think that something may be difficult but we can do it. This is the trait that allows us to step into stretch assignments or roles without falling apart.

While we can talk about general selfconfidence, realize that self-confidence can also be contextual. One can be confident about different tasks to different degrees based on a known history of completing various tasks successfully. Self-confidence can also be situational. One can be a selfconfident person overall but still be a bit nervous about public speaking or presenting.

Self-appraisal: The self-evaluation of one’s performance during a specific period.

This is the one that so many people find hard because writing about one’s self is typically not the easiest thing to do. Due to cultural and societal nuances, one may be loath to use this trait lest we be seen as boasting or of exaggerating our worth. Tying this to a supervisor evaluation can make people suppress even the good things they did, because their managers may turn around and deflate their ratings simply because it can sometimes be a case of

forced rankings. No matter what a manager says or doesn’t say, learning how to evaluate oneself honestly and without hubris and documenting in an easily accessible place, makes it easier to have those elevator pitch conversations that sometimes arise serendipitously.

Self-advocacy: The last of the five we’re focusing on in this newsletter is the fuel to the rocket. I always tell my mentees and clients, no one can advocate for you better than you can for yourself. This trait is even more critical for marginalized identities. This is not to say that one should hate time and effort practicing or exhibiting self-advocacy in an environment that is unyielding. It’s more about developing the trait of speaking or writing up about one’s needs and wants as it pertains to career development. The beautiful thing about self-advocacy is that it’s expansive. The more we get better at practicing selfadvocacy, the more comfortable we get advocating for other people. And this to me is always a winning proposition.

Which of these self-ish traits would you like to develop more of as you progress in your career? And how do you plan to go about doing that.

In cultivating any of these traits, we should take care not to nurture one to the detriment of the other.

Our aim should be to work on enhancing all of them in order to bring us into the balance of knowing ourselves and what we stand for while valuing other people enough to take into consideration how our behaviors may impact them.

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

15

PROFILE OF A PHARMACIST+ SPECIALTY AREA — MEDICAL PUBLICATIONS FOCUS: MEDICAL WRITING

Pharmacists can combine their interests and their healthcare backgrounds to find a career that works for them.

This is the column where we feature different pharmacy specialty areas and alternative careers. As well as a space for pharmacists practicing in these areas to offer input on the relevant career skills for success in their chosen fields.

~ Anam Nawab

For this edition, our pharmacy specialty area is medical writing, an aspect of healthcare and pharmacy practice that is still evolving.

What is MEDICAL WRITING?

Pharmacists and Medical involved in bringing products to market but who may interact with Writing such products and processes in A medical writer is a medical the course of a market lifecycle.

As licensed pharmacists, we have communication professional.

Medical writers are constantly in the professional go-ahead to work According to the American demand to help convey such new and excel in direct patient care as Medical Writers Association information both to health care well as ancillary areas of (AMWA), “Medical writing involves professionals as well as the lay healthcare. Medical writing has the the development and production of public. capacity to contribute to reducing print or digital documents that deal disparities in care by helping specifically with medicine or health What Standards Apply to translate complex medical care.The profession of medical Medical Writers? information into accessible writing calls for knowledge in both writing and science, combining a As with any profession that takes language, it means more people writer’s creative talent with the rigor a code of ethics seriously, medical can have access to lifesaving and detail of research and the information. We all learned to writing is a field that is rising to scientific process.” write those SOAP notes and meet the standards of certification. Both the AMWA and medication summaries. As a result, In communication studies, we can put pen to paper or fingers the International Society for communication is said to have Medical Publication Professionals to keyboard and produce occurred effectively when the something. Although we all receiver decodes (and completely (ISMPP) offer certifications for Medical Writing professionals. The learned to write, not everyone understands) the message Certified Medical Publication transmitted by a sender. In that likes or enjoys it. So it’s Professional™ (CMPP™) sense, medical writers help worthwhile to know that not only enhance the process of decoding credential is offered by ISMPP learning writing as a skill but medical information by making the while AMWA offers the MWC or actually liking it is one prerequisite Medical Writer Certified message easier to decode. They to succeeding and thriving in this bridge the gap for their audiences credential in collaboration with the Medical Writing Certification filed. So, if you enjoy translating by translating complex medical complex medical information into information into easily decodable Commission,.You don’t and understood content material. necessarily need a certification to different forms and formats for be a medical writer, but many varied audiences, you can certainly This by the way is no mean feat. choose to take that route because look to medical writing as a career With the speed of advancement and innovation in healthcare, there it affords one a well-recognized path.You can choose to either is more of a need to communicate and validated seal (or two) of work as a medical writer, or set up credibility in the field. findings to people not directly your own medical writing outfit.

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Medical Writing Specialty — Sample Pharmacist Roles Pharmacists can fill quite a few roles in this specialty area. As a pharmacist and medical writer, you are essentially filling a dual role; serving as a subject matter expert for writing related to therapeutics and drug development, as well as doing the writing. From working in a team of writers to being the lead writer to leading the team, there are many paths one could take in this exciting field. In this capacity, a pharmacist will most certainly collaborate with other professionals to ensure accuracy of information presented as well as compliance with local and international regulatory laws and practices.

The pharmacist featured on our cover, Dr. Anam Nawab followed a nice windy path to land in her current role as a medical writer. She holds a certification as a Certified Medical Publication Professional, CMPP. Dr Nawab is a licensed pharmacist and medical communications professional working with a medical communications agency for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. She has been in this role for about two years, and pearls of wisdom she shares about the path to her current role will serve both new and old practitioners alike. There is one trait she highlights for any new practitioner embarking on a pharmacy career; a trait I witnessed her use to the fullest en route her current career path. Read from Anam in her own words. **Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. and Health Sciences (Doctor of Why did this type of Pharmacy). pon graduating from work interest you and how did you get started? pharmacy school, I studied for my board exams and the Certified Medical Publication I have always loved reading and My name is Dr. Anam Nawab. I writing, so when I found that I am a licensed Pharmacist in the Professional (CMPP) certification exam to enter the can combine these interests state of New Jersye and field of medical communications. with my background in Pennsylvania. o West Virginia University (Bachelor of Science, Soon after, I landed my role as a healthcare, I was immediately medical writer at IMSci, a drawn to scientific and medical Biology), Geisinger School of medical education writing. It was something that Medicine (Masters of Biomedical communications agency, where I came easy to me throughout Sciences), Fairleigh Dickinson work on the Pfizer team. pharmacy school when I University School of Pharmacy

Tell Me More About You and Your Career Path to Date

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

17

PROFILE OF A PHARMACIST+ SPECIALTY AREA — MEDICAL PUBLICATIONS FOCUS: MEDICAL WRITING

Pharmacists can combine their interests and their healthcare backgrounds to find a career that works for them.

This is the column where we feature different pharmacy specialty areas and alternative careers. As well as a space for pharmacists practicing in these areas to offer input on the relevant career skills for success in their chosen fields.

~ Anam Nawab

For this edition, our pharmacy specialty area is medical writing, an aspect of healthcare and pharmacy practice that is still evolving.

What is MEDICAL WRITING?

Pharmacists and Medical involved in bringing products to market but who may interact with Writing such products and processes in A medical writer is a medical the course of a market lifecycle.

As licensed pharmacists, we have communication professional.

Medical writers are constantly in the professional go-ahead to work According to the American demand to help convey such new and excel in direct patient care as Medical Writers Association information both to health care well as ancillary areas of (AMWA), “Medical writing involves professionals as well as the lay healthcare. Medical writing has the the development and production of public. capacity to contribute to reducing print or digital documents that deal disparities in care by helping specifically with medicine or health What Standards Apply to translate complex medical care.The profession of medical Medical Writers? information into accessible writing calls for knowledge in both writing and science, combining a As with any profession that takes language, it means more people writer’s creative talent with the rigor a code of ethics seriously, medical can have access to lifesaving and detail of research and the information. We all learned to writing is a field that is rising to scientific process.” write those SOAP notes and meet the standards of certification. Both the AMWA and medication summaries. As a result, In communication studies, we can put pen to paper or fingers the International Society for communication is said to have Medical Publication Professionals to keyboard and produce occurred effectively when the something. Although we all receiver decodes (and completely (ISMPP) offer certifications for Medical Writing professionals. The learned to write, not everyone understands) the message Certified Medical Publication transmitted by a sender. In that likes or enjoys it. So it’s Professional™ (CMPP™) sense, medical writers help worthwhile to know that not only enhance the process of decoding credential is offered by ISMPP learning writing as a skill but medical information by making the while AMWA offers the MWC or actually liking it is one prerequisite Medical Writer Certified message easier to decode. They to succeeding and thriving in this bridge the gap for their audiences credential in collaboration with the Medical Writing Certification filed. So, if you enjoy translating by translating complex medical complex medical information into information into easily decodable Commission,.You don’t and understood content material. necessarily need a certification to different forms and formats for be a medical writer, but many varied audiences, you can certainly This by the way is no mean feat. choose to take that route because look to medical writing as a career With the speed of advancement and innovation in healthcare, there it affords one a well-recognized path.You can choose to either is more of a need to communicate and validated seal (or two) of work as a medical writer, or set up credibility in the field. findings to people not directly your own medical writing outfit.

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Medical Writing Specialty — Sample Pharmacist Roles Pharmacists can fill quite a few roles in this specialty area. As a pharmacist and medical writer, you are essentially filling a dual role; serving as a subject matter expert for writing related to therapeutics and drug development, as well as doing the writing. From working in a team of writers to being the lead writer to leading the team, there are many paths one could take in this exciting field. In this capacity, a pharmacist will most certainly collaborate with other professionals to ensure accuracy of information presented as well as compliance with local and international regulatory laws and practices.

The pharmacist featured on our cover, Dr. Anam Nawab followed a nice windy path to land in her current role as a medical writer. She holds a certification as a Certified Medical Publication Professional, CMPP. Dr Nawab is a licensed pharmacist and medical communications professional working with a medical communications agency for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. She has been in this role for about two years, and pearls of wisdom she shares about the path to her current role will serve both new and old practitioners alike. There is one trait she highlights for any new practitioner embarking on a pharmacy career; a trait I witnessed her use to the fullest en route her current career path. Read from Anam in her own words. **Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. and Health Sciences (Doctor of Why did this type of Pharmacy). pon graduating from work interest you and how did you get started? pharmacy school, I studied for my board exams and the Certified Medical Publication I have always loved reading and My name is Dr. Anam Nawab. I writing, so when I found that I am a licensed Pharmacist in the Professional (CMPP) certification exam to enter the can combine these interests state of New Jersye and field of medical communications. with my background in Pennsylvania. o West Virginia University (Bachelor of Science, Soon after, I landed my role as a healthcare, I was immediately medical writer at IMSci, a drawn to scientific and medical Biology), Geisinger School of medical education writing. It was something that Medicine (Masters of Biomedical communications agency, where I came easy to me throughout Sciences), Fairleigh Dickinson work on the Pfizer team. pharmacy school when I University School of Pharmacy

Tell Me More About You and Your Career Path to Date

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

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CAREER PROFILE:

On Opportunities and Challenges in Medical Writing

AN ALT+PHARMACIST

The rapid advancements in technology provide opportunities to develop engaging and interactive digital content for various channels. ~ Anam Nawab

worked on various research projects. I came to appreciate the field for its potential to bridge the gap between scientific research for the general public. Being able to communicate critical healthcare information accurately and effectively, ensuring that patients and healthcare professionals have access to reliable resources, greatly appealed to me. To start in this field, I actively sought out opportunities to write for journals, take a medical writing course, and get involved in research projects that required writing abstracts, manuscripts. These experiences allowed me to develop my skills and establish a solid foundation for my career.

What do you like and not like about working in this industry?

What do you do on a typical day? What are your current duties and responsibilities?

Because I work on one product throughout its lifecycle, the projects can vary from creating slide decks to present phase 2 data to writing a manuscript supporting the importance of the product to improve health equity the current landscape.My duties and responsibilities include conducting literature searches, writing or creating digital or print material, reviewing the draft content and incorporating feedback from stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and guidelines.

What kinds of decisions do you make and what percentage of your time is spent doing what?

Fifty percent of my time is spent on creating the content, 30% of my time goes into the review and edit process to fine-tune all messaging and ensure utmost scientific accuracy, and then about 20% of time is spent on attending meetings for new or relevant clinical data, attending congresses, workshops and symposia.

What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying?

Most challenging?

The most satisfying part of the job is the opportunity to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge that positively impacts patient care. On the other hand, the most challenging aspect of this job is staying updated with the rapidly evolving scientific and regulatory landscape. The pharmaceutical industry is dynamic and constantly changing, requiring me to continuously learn and adapt to new therapeutic advancements, guidelines, and regulations.

However, this pushes me to consistently expand my

knowledge and keeps me One of the aspects that excites intellectually engaged. me the most about the current I like the opportunity to travel state of affairs in the field of when attending congresses and medical writing is the increasing symposia. It can be really fun to focus on reducing health meet medical professionals from inequities. There is a growing around the world and then also recognition that clear and see new sights on your accurate scientific downtime. As for the challenging communication can play a aspect, sometimes it could be significant role in addressing difficult managing tight deadlines disparities in healthcare access and juggling multiple projects and outcomes that largely impact simultaneously. However, I thrive marginalized communities. under pressure and have By effectively translating complex developed effective time medical information into management and prioritization accessible language, medical skills to overcome this with time. writers can help bridge the gap between healthcare professionals What are you most and underserved communities. excited about regarding This emphasis on health equity your field’s current state means ensuring that information of affairs? reaches diverse populations, including those with limited health literacy, different cultural backgrounds, or language barriers. Medical writers have the opportunity to create patient education materials, guidelines, and resources that are tailored to the specific needs of various populations, thereby promoting better health understanding and informed decision-making.

What skills would students and early career pharmacists need to be successful in this path?

Strong writing skills, biostatistics( this is a really important skill for a PharmD in this field, literature search skills, interpersonal communication, and collaboration skills. Time management might alao just be the most important of all the skills you can bring with you.

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CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

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CAREER PROFILE:

On Opportunities and Challenges in Medical Writing

AN ALT+PHARMACIST

The rapid advancements in technology provide opportunities to develop engaging and interactive digital content for various channels. ~ Anam Nawab

worked on various research projects. I came to appreciate the field for its potential to bridge the gap between scientific research for the general public. Being able to communicate critical healthcare information accurately and effectively, ensuring that patients and healthcare professionals have access to reliable resources, greatly appealed to me. To start in this field, I actively sought out opportunities to write for journals, take a medical writing course, and get involved in research projects that required writing abstracts, manuscripts. These experiences allowed me to develop my skills and establish a solid foundation for my career.

What do you like and not like about working in this industry?

What do you do on a typical day? What are your current duties and responsibilities?

Because I work on one product throughout its lifecycle, the projects can vary from creating slide decks to present phase 2 data to writing a manuscript supporting the importance of the product to improve health equity the current landscape.My duties and responsibilities include conducting literature searches, writing or creating digital or print material, reviewing the draft content and incorporating feedback from stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and guidelines.

What kinds of decisions do you make and what percentage of your time is spent doing what?

Fifty percent of my time is spent on creating the content, 30% of my time goes into the review and edit process to fine-tune all messaging and ensure utmost scientific accuracy, and then about 20% of time is spent on attending meetings for new or relevant clinical data, attending congresses, workshops and symposia.

What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying?

Most challenging?

The most satisfying part of the job is the opportunity to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge that positively impacts patient care. On the other hand, the most challenging aspect of this job is staying updated with the rapidly evolving scientific and regulatory landscape. The pharmaceutical industry is dynamic and constantly changing, requiring me to continuously learn and adapt to new therapeutic advancements, guidelines, and regulations.

However, this pushes me to consistently expand my

knowledge and keeps me One of the aspects that excites intellectually engaged. me the most about the current I like the opportunity to travel state of affairs in the field of when attending congresses and medical writing is the increasing symposia. It can be really fun to focus on reducing health meet medical professionals from inequities. There is a growing around the world and then also recognition that clear and see new sights on your accurate scientific downtime. As for the challenging communication can play a aspect, sometimes it could be significant role in addressing difficult managing tight deadlines disparities in healthcare access and juggling multiple projects and outcomes that largely impact simultaneously. However, I thrive marginalized communities. under pressure and have By effectively translating complex developed effective time medical information into management and prioritization accessible language, medical skills to overcome this with time. writers can help bridge the gap between healthcare professionals What are you most and underserved communities. excited about regarding This emphasis on health equity your field’s current state means ensuring that information of affairs? reaches diverse populations, including those with limited health literacy, different cultural backgrounds, or language barriers. Medical writers have the opportunity to create patient education materials, guidelines, and resources that are tailored to the specific needs of various populations, thereby promoting better health understanding and informed decision-making.

What skills would students and early career pharmacists need to be successful in this path?

Strong writing skills, biostatistics( this is a really important skill for a PharmD in this field, literature search skills, interpersonal communication, and collaboration skills. Time management might alao just be the most important of all the skills you can bring with you.

18 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

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CAREER PROFILE: AN ALT+PHARMACIST On Opportunities and Challenges in Medical Writing The rapid advancements in technology provide opportunities to develop engaging and interactive digital content for various channels. ~ Anam Nawab

What opportunities and Can you suggest challenges do you see in some ways a student the pipeline for the field? could go about obtaining the necessary experience The rapid advancements in to explore this technology brings both opportunities and challenges in career path? the medical writing field.

Adapting to new software, data I would suggest getting involved analysis platforms, and creating in research pretty early on, digital content can be taking on opportunities to write overwhelming so I constantly (newsletters, blogs, and journals), am learning about new taking a medical writing course software programs. On the if one is available in your school. other hand, technology advancing gives opportunities And if your school doesn’t offer one, you can always find online to develop engaging and interactive digital content and courses to take in this area. Also, applying for APPE rotations that disseminate medical afford you good practice in information through various medical writing and fellowships channels that reaches wider in the industry. audiences.

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What are some words of career exploration advice you have for our audience?

Be willing to explore different paths and opportunities. By seeking new experienceswhether that be a course, internship, or rotation- you will uncover your interests and skills.

Also, ensure that you network and surround yourself with supportive individuals who can provide guidance, insights, and mentorship. Networking with professionals in fields of interest can offer valuable perspectives, guidance based on their own experiences, and potential opportunities.

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CAREER PROFILE: AN ALT+PHARMACIST On Opportunities and Challenges in Medical Writing The rapid advancements in technology provide opportunities to develop engaging and interactive digital content for various channels. ~ Anam Nawab

What opportunities and Can you suggest challenges do you see in some ways a student the pipeline for the field? could go about obtaining the necessary experience The rapid advancements in to explore this technology brings both opportunities and challenges in career path? the medical writing field.

Adapting to new software, data I would suggest getting involved analysis platforms, and creating in research pretty early on, digital content can be taking on opportunities to write overwhelming so I constantly (newsletters, blogs, and journals), am learning about new taking a medical writing course software programs. On the if one is available in your school. other hand, technology advancing gives opportunities And if your school doesn’t offer one, you can always find online to develop engaging and interactive digital content and courses to take in this area. Also, applying for APPE rotations that disseminate medical afford you good practice in information through various medical writing and fellowships channels that reaches wider in the industry. audiences.

20 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

What are some words of career exploration advice you have for our audience?

Be willing to explore different paths and opportunities. By seeking new experienceswhether that be a course, internship, or rotation- you will uncover your interests and skills.

Also, ensure that you network and surround yourself with supportive individuals who can provide guidance, insights, and mentorship. Networking with professionals in fields of interest can offer valuable perspectives, guidance based on their own experiences, and potential opportunities.

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

21

PRACTICING PHARMACISTS TAKE A LOOK BACK That’s an easy one. I got into Pharma by serendipity and I remember wishing someone had taken time to tell us in pharmacy school about the many wonderful opportunities for pharmacists outside of hospital and retail.

You are your best asset; Invest in yourself early and invest well.

Dr N (New Jersey)

As a foreign graduate, I wish I knew to be more intentional about what it took to get into graduate school and get my pharmacist reciprocity done quicker than I did.

Dr O (Massachusetts)

WHAT I WISH I KNEW IN PHARMACY SCHOOL! Strength in crowdsourcing!

W

e asked many early to mid-career pharmacists (mostly females) practicing in various sectors across the country to tell us one thing they wished they knew for sure when they were in pharmacy school or as a fresh graduate. It was so much fun reading their responses because no two responses were 22 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

alike. Hear from them in their own words and learn from their own backward glances in the mirrors.

I wish I knew that leading an

organization/department would require a robust understanding of effective leadership and how to manage the financials of the department. I would have spent more time studying

those materials and would have either gotten a dual degree MBA or an MBA right after school.

Dr. V (Pennsylvania) I wish I knew how broad the profession of pharmacy was and that someone had taught us about all the other roles that pharmacists could effectively fill outside of hospital, retail and Pharma.

Dr K (Pennsylvania)

That life after pharmacy school would be a marathon and a path with many exciting twists and turns. I wish I also knew to cultivate stronger relationships with my professors while in school and to maintain some of those relationships even after school.

Dr T (Pennsylvania)

I wish someone had explained fully the ins and outs of lifelong professional learning and development.

That it goes way beyond getting your continuing education every two years. I wish we had been taught how to be strategic and intentional with professional learning.

Dr J (Texas)

I wish I knew to take the hardcore rotations during pharmacy school rather than placing all my eggs in one basket of post-graduate residency.We had a dual PharmD/PA track that would have been an additional 1.5 years. I wish I knew to be a trailblazer and go that route.

In short I wish I knew to diversify my skill set back then.

Dr U (Arizona)

I wish I had done a full 4 year undergrad program

before entering pharmacy graduate school. I had an Associates degree prior to pharmacy school and although I did quite well, I think the extra experience of completing the undergrad program would have helped with better adjustment.

Also I wish I knew to be more intentional about finding my tribe (in this case my wonderful study group) earlier in pharmacy school. I would say the same thing for life after school, be intentional about your relationships, make sure they are life giving ones.

Dr C (New Jersey)

I wish I had been taught more about soft skills like emotional intelligence and self regulation.

Skills that would have contriuted to being a better team member who can skillfully take a step back and analyze situations and interact better with peers and supervisors on one’s team.

Dr A (New Jersey)

— ———————————————————————————————— What about you? What would you add to this based on your recent experience, having successfully graduated as a pharmacist and started out in your career?

Even if you think you have nothing to add right now, no matter what, you can always take a healthy dose of learning from what I call OPE or Other People’s Experiences and make with it what you will.

Happy careering.

We are all rooting for you.

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

23

PRACTICING PHARMACISTS TAKE A LOOK BACK That’s an easy one. I got into Pharma by serendipity and I remember wishing someone had taken time to tell us in pharmacy school about the many wonderful opportunities for pharmacists outside of hospital and retail.

You are your best asset; Invest in yourself early and invest well.

Dr N (New Jersey)

As a foreign graduate, I wish I knew to be more intentional about what it took to get into graduate school and get my pharmacist reciprocity done quicker than I did.

Dr O (Massachusetts)

WHAT I WISH I KNEW IN PHARMACY SCHOOL! Strength in crowdsourcing!

W

e asked many early to mid-career pharmacists (mostly females) practicing in various sectors across the country to tell us one thing they wished they knew for sure when they were in pharmacy school or as a fresh graduate. It was so much fun reading their responses because no two responses were 22 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

alike. Hear from them in their own words and learn from their own backward glances in the mirrors.

I wish I knew that leading an

organization/department would require a robust understanding of effective leadership and how to manage the financials of the department. I would have spent more time studying

those materials and would have either gotten a dual degree MBA or an MBA right after school.

Dr. V (Pennsylvania) I wish I knew how broad the profession of pharmacy was and that someone had taught us about all the other roles that pharmacists could effectively fill outside of hospital, retail and Pharma.

Dr K (Pennsylvania)

That life after pharmacy school would be a marathon and a path with many exciting twists and turns. I wish I also knew to cultivate stronger relationships with my professors while in school and to maintain some of those relationships even after school.

Dr T (Pennsylvania)

I wish someone had explained fully the ins and outs of lifelong professional learning and development.

That it goes way beyond getting your continuing education every two years. I wish we had been taught how to be strategic and intentional with professional learning.

Dr J (Texas)

I wish I knew to take the hardcore rotations during pharmacy school rather than placing all my eggs in one basket of post-graduate residency.We had a dual PharmD/PA track that would have been an additional 1.5 years. I wish I knew to be a trailblazer and go that route.

In short I wish I knew to diversify my skill set back then.

Dr U (Arizona)

I wish I had done a full 4 year undergrad program

before entering pharmacy graduate school. I had an Associates degree prior to pharmacy school and although I did quite well, I think the extra experience of completing the undergrad program would have helped with better adjustment.

Also I wish I knew to be more intentional about finding my tribe (in this case my wonderful study group) earlier in pharmacy school. I would say the same thing for life after school, be intentional about your relationships, make sure they are life giving ones.

Dr C (New Jersey)

I wish I had been taught more about soft skills like emotional intelligence and self regulation.

Skills that would have contriuted to being a better team member who can skillfully take a step back and analyze situations and interact better with peers and supervisors on one’s team.

Dr A (New Jersey)

— ———————————————————————————————— What about you? What would you add to this based on your recent experience, having successfully graduated as a pharmacist and started out in your career?

Even if you think you have nothing to add right now, no matter what, you can always take a healthy dose of learning from what I call OPE or Other People’s Experiences and make with it what you will.

Happy careering.

We are all rooting for you.

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

23

TAKING INVENTORY— OF WORKLIFE VALUES

I

t used to be that choosing a field of study would lead you sometimes unilaterally into a career and you simply worked in that job for a while and got promoted as opportunities arose. Traditional career planning was based on a trifecta of your interests, your skills and your abilities.

But now, we know differently. And when we know different, we can do different. It seems almost intuitive now to say despite one’s interest in a particular field, it could turn out that the work environment in the best place(s) to work in that field might not suit one’s disposition.

When we say that a particular work environment or workplace doesn’t or didn’t work for us, majority of the time the underlying reason has to do with a fundamental mismatch of values. Ours versus the work environment/culture.

In addition to interests, skills and abilities, it becomes part of an active career tool kit to be able to assess one’s work values periodically.

is meeting the chosen value of money or compensation. We all want our work to be meaningful and to be well compensated for the work we do. If nothing other than the fact that we will spend a good majority of our lives in the workplace.

Defining Values

Some questions you may see on a typical work value inventory or assessment include Likert scale questions that fall into defined clusters that you can rank according to which ones hold the highest priority for you in the season of life you are in.

Psychologists typically define a value as a stable construct or life goal that a person identifies as being meaningful, and one that impacts their thoughts, behaviors and action.

So, whether we realize it or not, our values can drive our thoughts and actions.

Differentiating Work Values?

W

e can define work values as those qualities that people want or desire in their work, their occupation, or their careers.Values are different from interests in that interests are the activities through which we achieve those things we value. If I want a job that is highly paid, then good remuneration becomes a value for me and as such I may choose to stay in a job that others may perceive as stressful simply because the work 24 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

Having said that, it makes sense to take time out at the beginning of a career to ask ourselves what we value and would like to see in an ideal work environment. The ability to tease out one’s values and to rank them if possible allows for better decision making regarding the many opportunities that would arise along the way for us as we grow in our career.

A good career coach will help you take an inventory of your values so you can create a working blueprint for what you want in an ideal work environment. When thinking about your values, there are many assessments that you can take to identify and rank key work values.

I emphasize the season of life because work values can change based on circumstances and context. What might happen would be a change in ranking but you would still probably hold the same key values over time.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

CREATIVITY: work which permits one to invent new things, design new products, or develop new ideas.

MANAGEMENT: work which permits one to plan and lay out work for others.

ACHIEVEMENT: work which gives one the feeling of accomplishment in doing a job well.

SURROUNDINGS: work which is carried out under pleasant conditions- not too hot or too cold, noisy, dirty, etc.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: work carried out under a fair supervisor with whom one gets along.

WAY OF LIFE: work that permits one to live the kind of life she chooses and that permites a person to be the type of person she wishes to be.

SECURITY: work which provides one with the certainty of having a job even in hard times.

ASSOCIATES: work which brings one into contact with fellow workers whom you like.

AESTHETIC: work which permits one to make beautiful things and to contribute beauty to the world.

PRESTIGE: work which gives one standing in the eyes of others and evokes respect.

INDEPENDENCE: work which permits one to work in his/her own way, as fast or slow as he/she wishes.

VARIETY: work which provides an opportunity to do different types of tasks.

ECONOMIC RETURN: work which pays well and enables one to have the things he/she wants.

ALTRUISM: work which enables one to contribute to the welfare of others.

INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION: work which provides opportunity for independent thinking and for learning how and why things work.

Why is this important?

The following list of 15 clusters is from Donald Super’s Work Values Inventory, or WVI which I use in my work with my clients.

The WVI is a set of 45 questions broken down into the 15 clusters below. Each cluster has 3 questions worth 5 points each for a total of 15 points per cluster.Your highest scores would be ranked as your highest priority values.

In the last edition, we featured a focus article on strengths and strengths assessment using the Gallup Strengths Assessment. If you have taken your Gallup Strengths Assessment and know what your strengths are, then you want to ensure that you are aligning your strengths as much as you possibly can with your work environment. For example, if one of your top strengths is “Learner” then you might value work that provides intellectual stimulation much more than a person whose top strength is Woo or Execution.

To sum it up nicely, taking an inventory of work values will always add to a career portfolio rather than subtract from it as is evident here. In addition, it can be a really handy reflection tool for any type of regular (yearly or more) self-evaluations.

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

25

TAKING INVENTORY— OF WORKLIFE VALUES

I

t used to be that choosing a field of study would lead you sometimes unilaterally into a career and you simply worked in that job for a while and got promoted as opportunities arose. Traditional career planning was based on a trifecta of your interests, your skills and your abilities.

But now, we know differently. And when we know different, we can do different. It seems almost intuitive now to say despite one’s interest in a particular field, it could turn out that the work environment in the best place(s) to work in that field might not suit one’s disposition.

When we say that a particular work environment or workplace doesn’t or didn’t work for us, majority of the time the underlying reason has to do with a fundamental mismatch of values. Ours versus the work environment/culture.

In addition to interests, skills and abilities, it becomes part of an active career tool kit to be able to assess one’s work values periodically.

is meeting the chosen value of money or compensation.We all want our work to be meaningful and to be well compensated for the work we do. If nothing other than the fact that we will spend a good majority of our lives in the workplace.

Defining Values

Some questions you may see on a typical work value inventory or assessment include Likert scale questions that fall into defined clusters that you can rank according to which ones hold the highest priority for you in the season of life you are in.

Psychologists typically define a value as a stable construct or life goal that a person identifies as being meaningful, and one that impacts their thoughts, behaviors and action.

So, whether we realize it or not, our values can drive our thoughts and actions.

Differentiating Work Values?

W

e can define work values as those qualities that people want or desire in their work, their occupation, or their careers.Values are different from interests in that interests are the activities through which we achieve those things we value. If I want a job that is highly paid, then good remuneration becomes a value for me and as such I may choose to stay in a job that others may perceive as stressful simply because the work 24 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

Having said that, it makes sense to take time out at the beginning of a career to ask ourselves what we value and would like to see in an ideal work environment. The ability to tease out one’s values and to rank them if possible allows for better decision making regarding the many opportunities that would arise along the way for us as we grow in our career.

A good career coach will help you take an inventory of your values so you can create a working blueprint for what you want in an ideal work environment. When thinking about your values, there are many assessments that you can take to identify and rank key work values.

I emphasize the season of life because work values can change based on circumstances and context. What might happen would be a change in ranking but you would still probably hold the same key values over time.

CREATIVITY: work which permits one to invent new things, design new products, or develop new ideas.

MANAGEMENT: work which permits one to plan and lay out work for others.

ACHIEVEMENT: work which gives one the feeling of accomplishment in doing a job well.

SURROUNDINGS: work which is carried out under pleasant conditions- not too hot or too cold, noisy, dirty, etc.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: work carried out under a fair supervisor with whom one gets along.

WAY OF LIFE: work that permits one to live the kind of life she chooses and that permites a person to be the type of person she wishes to be.

• SECURITY: work which provides one with the certainty of having a job even in hard times.

• ASSOCIATES: work which brings one into contact with fellow workers whom you like.

• AESTHETIC: work which permits one to make beautiful things and to contribute beauty to the world.

• PRESTIGE: work which gives one standing in the eyes of others and evokes respect.

• INDEPENDENCE: work which permits one to work in his/her own way, as fast or slow as he/she wishes.

• VARIETY: work which provides an opportunity to do different types of tasks.

• ECONOMIC RETURN: work which pays well and enables one to have the things he/she wants.

• ALTRUISM: work which enables one to contribute to the welfare of others.

• INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION: work which provides opportunity for independent thinking and for learning how and why things work.

• • • • • •

Why is this important?

The following list of 15 clusters is from Donald Super’s Work Values Inventory, or WVI which I use in my work with my clients.

The WVI is a set of 45 questions broken down into the 15 clusters below. Each cluster has 3 questions worth 5 points each for a total of 15 points per cluster.Your highest scores would be ranked as your highest priority values.

In the last edition, we featured a focus article on strengths and strengths assessment using the Gallup Strengths Assessment. If you have taken your Gallup Strengths Assessment and know what your strengths are, then you want to ensure that you are aligning your strengths as much as you possibly can with your work environment. For example, if one of your top strengths is “Learner” then you might value work that provides intellectual stimulation much more than a person whose top strength is Woo or Execution.

To sum it up nicely, taking an inventory of work values will always add to a career portfolio rather than subtract from it as is evident here. In addition, it can be a really handy reflection tool for any type of regular (yearly or more) self-evaluations.

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

25

BEST USE: RESOURCES FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH

T

outcomes but rather for a mutually beneficial connection that can lead to the results you desire.

here are probably a million and one ways to go about a job search if I’m allowed a hyperbole here. However, this section will be quick and simple.

In this article we highlight some common (and not so common) resources to aid you as you go about your job search.

•

Your Own Small World Lab: Otherwise known as your six degrees of separation or your social networks. The idea of six degrees of separation is that

most people are six or fewer social connections away from each other. You know, the friend of a friend of a friend of a friend. Exploring your social network is one huge resource you can leverage.

• LinkedIn: This social media platform needs no introduction.When it comes to the world of work, LinkedIn has brought the small world experiment into our mobile devices and computers. You can exponentially increase your network through aptly named 1 , 2 and 3 degree connections. With LinkedIn you can search for jobs by title and location and then look for degrees of connections in the companies and locations where you are searching. And then make those connections and informational interviews and see where it goes. This is one area where we need to apply the principle of a beginners mind in order to use the platform well. Try to meet people and network with them without any presumptions and attachment to st

26 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

nd

rd

• Indeed: This platform is still a recruiter’s heaven. Having a very well crafted resume on Indeed is a sign that you can be reached for job leads. If you don’t need the lead, be sure to help the recruiters by offering to reach out to other contacts and then making a connection if you can. This way if you keep depositing good deeds, you never know when you become someone else’s good deed.

• Jobscan: This was (and still is) the resume optimization hub. While ChatGPT can do a some of the things that Jobscan does, the intellectual property and experiential tips you can get from Jobscan is always a good thing to have.

•

Your Campus Career Center: As an alumni, you most likely still have access for a certain number of years, depending on the school, to campus resources, like the libraries and the career centers. Many schools pay a premium to be able to offer job boards to their students. As an alumni, remember you should also have access.

Because pharmacy is somewhat of a specialized field, the job offerings may not be like what you would find on the larger job boards and databases, but they can still be a valuable resource.

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

27

BEST USE: RESOURCES FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH

T

outcomes but rather for a mutually beneficial connection that can lead to the results you desire.

here are probably a million and one ways to go about a job search if I’m allowed a hyperbole here. However, this section will be quick and simple.

In this article we highlight some common (and not so common) resources to aid you as you go about your job search.

•

Your Own Small World Lab: Otherwise known as your six degrees of separation or your social networks. The idea of six degrees of separation is that

most people are six or fewer social connections away from each other. You know, the friend of a friend of a friend of a friend. Exploring your social network is one huge resource you can leverage.

• LinkedIn: This social media platform needs no introduction. When it comes to the world of work, LinkedIn has brought the small world experiment into our mobile devices and computers. You can exponentially increase your network through aptly named 1 , 2 and 3 degree connections. With LinkedIn you can search for jobs by title and location and then look for degrees of connections in the companies and locations where you are searching. And then make those connections and informational interviews and see where it goes. This is one area where we need to apply the principle of a beginners mind in order to use the platform well. Try to meet people and network with them without any presumptions and attachment to st

26 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

nd

rd

• Indeed: This platform is still a recruiter’s heaven. Having a very well crafted resume on Indeed is a sign that you can be reached for job leads. If you don’t need the lead, be sure to help the recruiters by offering to reach out to other contacts and then making a connection if you can. This way if you keep depositing good deeds, you never know when you become someone else’s good deed.

• Jobscan: This was (and still is) the resume optimization hub. While ChatGPT can do a some of the things that Jobscan does, the intellectual property and experiential tips you can get from Jobscan is always a good thing to have.

•

Your Campus Career Center: As an alumni, you most likely still have access for a certain number of years, depending on the school, to campus resources, like the libraries and the career centers. Many schools pay a premium to be able to offer job boards to their students. As an alumni, remember you should also have access.

Because pharmacy is somewhat of a specialized field, the job offerings may not be like what you would find on the larger job boards and databases, but they can still be a valuable resource.

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

27

On the topic of finances, while none of the pharmacists in our “Things I wish I knew” never directly mentioned wishing they knew about money management, I want to bookend this final piece with that.

Pharmacy school may not teach about personal finance but we owe it to ourselves to ensure that we put our hard earned money to good use. Whatever that good use is will be different for different people based on their financial goals. Find your goals in this area and work toward it. This is not a financial magazine and as such we cannot offer financial advice, but there are people out there who can do this and do this well from a fiduciary responsibility point of view.

Remember, any habits we build early in our career can carry through, so we want to ensure that we are building what we would be proud of when we look back ten years from now.

Yours in career success.

The Career-Rx Team of Advisors

ENDNOTE — YOUR CAREER JOURNEY Guiding Thoughts for Career Maturity

T

his whole edition has been devoted to you, the new practitioner. But, remember you won’t always be a new practitioner.

Depending on what sector area you find yourself, anywhere from your 6 to 15 year will place you outside of the new practitioner or early career bracket. (I know. I know). It’s never too early to start thinking about making that transition smoothly and not leaving it to chance and time. As with any process or phenomena on a bell curve, some will find themselves taking on key leadership positions very early in their career and have to grow into it through a baptism by fire. Others will slowly come into their own, while yet others are content with where they are and have no transition plans in place due to family or other constraints. th

• • •

th

So, I’ll ask the following.You may not have any answers to them yet but they will be here whenever you are ready.

• •

What are your work goals (and plans) for the next 5 years What strategies are you using to keep track of changes impacting the profession (AI is here to stay) Do you plan to enter a leadership track in your workplace? If so, have you taken an accurate assessment of the potential for stretch assignments and promotions? If there are none, how do you plan to achieve this goal?

What are your financial goals, if any?

Have you taken a thorough assessment of your financial status to know how to plan for the future you want? Pharmacists are considered high income earners based on salary brackets and many high income earners who do not take the time to map out a financial plan and how to get there might find themselves in what is known as the HENRY population, or the High Earners Not Yet Rich (people earning six figures but who have no savings for future expenses).

Taking the time to get financial or money coaching or to speak with a financial advisor will pay a lot of dividends in the long run.

Preparing for a vibrant career is an exciting adventure.

A beginner’s mindset and the right values orientation can help make the path lighter.

Page Image Credits All images courtesy of unrestricted usage rights from unsplash.com, pexels.com, and pixabay.com

Career-Rx is published quarterly by Get Fab Editorial Communications and Publishing in the US ISSN 977-277132-00 Chief Communications Officer - Otito Iwuchukwu Head Creative Director - Stanley Okpor Subscriptions: Please send email inquiries to careerspirations@gmail.com or visit our website, careerspirations.com

28 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

29

On the topic of finances, while none of the pharmacists in our “Things I wish I knew” never directly mentioned wishing they knew about money management, I want to bookend this final piece with that.

Pharmacy school may not teach about personal finance but we owe it to ourselves to ensure that we put our hard earned money to good use. Whatever that good use is will be different for different people based on their financial goals. Find your goals in this area and work toward it. This is not a financial magazine and as such we cannot offer financial advice, but there are people out there who can do this and do this well from a fiduciary responsibility point of view.

Remember, any habits we build early in our career can carry through, so we want to ensure that we are building what we would be proud of when we look back ten years from now.

Yours in career success.

The Career-Rx Team of Advisors

ENDNOTE — YOUR CAREER JOURNEY Guiding Thoughts for Career Maturity

T

his whole edition has been devoted to you, the new practitioner. But, remember you won’t always be a new practitioner.

Depending on what sector area you find yourself, anywhere from your 6 to 15 year will place you outside of the new practitioner or early career bracket. (I know. I know). It’s never too early to start thinking about making that transition smoothly and not leaving it to chance and time. As with any process or phenomena on a bell curve, some will find themselves taking on key leadership positions very early in their career and have to grow into it through a baptism by fire. Others will slowly come into their own, while yet others are content with where they are and have no transition plans in place due to family or other constraints. th

• • •

th

So, I’ll ask the following.You may not have any answers to them yet but they will be here whenever you are ready.

• •

What are your work goals (and plans) for the next 5 years What strategies are you using to keep track of changes impacting the profession (AI is here to stay) Do you plan to enter a leadership track in your workplace? If so, have you taken an accurate assessment of the potential for stretch assignments and promotions? If there are none, how do you plan to achieve this goal?

What are your financial goals, if any?

Have you taken a thorough assessment of your financial status to know how to plan for the future you want? Pharmacists are considered high income earners based on salary brackets and many high income earners who do not take the time to map out a financial plan and how to get there might find themselves in what is known as the HENRY population, or the High Earners Not Yet Rich (people earning six figures but who have no savings for future expenses).

Taking the time to get financial or money coaching or to speak with a financial advisor will pay a lot of dividends in the long run.

Preparing for a vibrant career is an exciting adventure.

A beginner’s mindset and the right values orientation can help make the path lighter.

Page Image Credits All images courtesy of unrestricted usage rights from unsplash.com, pexels.com, and pixabay.com

Career-Rx is published quarterly by Get Fab Editorial Communications and Publishing in the US ISSN 977-277132-00 Chief Communications Officer - Otito Iwuchukwu Head Creative Director - Stanley Okpor Subscriptions: Please send email inquiries to careerspirations@gmail.com or visit our website, careerspirations.com

28 CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

CAREER-Rx MAGAZINE

29

CAREER-RX BOONTON, NEW JERSEY PHONE

484-362-9560

EMAIL:

Careerspirations@gmail.com

WEBSITE: WWW.CAREERSPIRATIONS.COM