Expert: Eric Brandt - 6/25/2009

Question
Hi Mr. Brandt.
I am in summer school for enrichment right now, and I have to do a career research project, and I hope to be a pharmacist in the future.
If it is possible can you answer a few questions for me please? Thanks.
1. How did you become interested in this kind of work?
2. What personal qualities does a person need to be successful in this occupation?
3. What are some of the more satisfying features of this work?
4. What disadvantages are there in this type of position?
5. What are some things I can do now to prepare for this kind of work?
6. What future training or education will I need?
7. In what special skills or procedures should I be proficient?
8. What opportunities are there for advancement?
9. Does this work involve any special expenses, such as dues, equipment, and uniforms?
10. What are the beginning and the top salaries in this occupation?

Your answers are very well appreciated.
Thank you once again.


Answer
Hi Keith,
1. How did you become interested in this kind of work?
I was working as a merchandiser in a drugstore and was encouraged by the pharmacist to become a pharmacist in order to advance my career.
2. What personal qualities does a person need to be successful in this occupation?
You have to like to work with people, have a genuine interest in people's health, be meticulously accurate.
3. What are some of the more satisfying features of this work?
I get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I am making a difference to people'e health outcomes
4. What disadvantages are there in this type of position?
The workload is high and sometimes inadequate support staff help
5. What are some things I can do now to prepare for this kind of work?
You should shadow a pharmacist in different settings to see if this is the kind of work you want to do
6. What future training or education will I need?
You need to study bilogy, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology
7. In what special skills or procedures should I be proficient?
You need to have good communications skills
8. What opportunities are there for advancement?
You can own you own store, or advance up the management ladder in a drugstore chain or hospital
9. Does this work involve any special expenses, such as dues, equipment, and uniforms?
Uniforms are usually provided by the employer. You need to constantly upgrade your knowledge as information changes and new information is gained. This may involve some travel to seminars etc.
10. What are the beginning and the top salaries in this occupation?
Salary is above average
Thank you for using Allexperts
sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm