Tips for Inspiring Future Pharmacists

“I’m just an intern.” Stop. Right. There. A young woman introduced herself this way at Pfizer’s Digital Rotation Program graduation. I woke up this morning with her words still echoing in my mind. She’s not “just” anything. We are never “just” anything. She’s a rising senior who left California to learn about tech and pharma and maybe her calling in New York this summer. She’s ambitious and curious and bold enough to pursue a competitive spot at a Fortune 100 company. She’s bringing her fresh eyes, open mind and digital-first approach to every interaction. But somewhere along the way, she learned to diminish herself. To apologize for taking up space. To minimize her worth before anyone else could. Break. My. Heart. ❤️🩹 I stopped her right there and told her: You are not “just” an intern, entry-level, or anything else that makes you smaller. You are a young professional. A future leader. A fresh perspective. To any young woman reading this: -Your questions aren’t stupid. -Your inexperience isn’t a weakness. -Your newness is freedom from “that’s how we’ve always done it.” -Your ambition isn’t too much. So next time you introduce yourself, own your space. “I’m an intern at Pfizer.” “I’m exploring a career in pharma innovation.” “I’m learning how to transform healthcare from a pillar of industry.” Don’t shrink before you even start. To that young woman I met yesterday and the 24 graduates completing their 2 year digital rotation: You’re going places. Male or female, always lead with that energy. #WomenInSTEM #PharmaInnovation #Pfizer #Authenticity PS - Pfizer’s Digital Rotation Program is a standout example for early career development. -4000 applicants a year. -4 rotations. 2 years. -98% retention rates!! STEM employers, take note. 📝

The Ultimate Differentiator Amongst Students... Being A Flexible Thinker As I continue to reflex on my own journey as a learner, the BIG moments happened when I allowed someone else to change my mind! I know! Such a scary concept ❗ What I have experienced firsthand and observed in working with learners of all stages of their pharmacy education, is that we face tremendous pressure to be sure Everything about how we are educated is centered around knowing exactly what you want to do because the journey to each destination is so unique For me, what has helped tremendously is: 1- Finding Mentors that are genuine about their journey If your career has been flawless- I LOVE that for you! But for me, I have made mistakes, and experienced public failures that I have learned from. So being mentored by people who are transparent about their own mistakes is extremely important in helping me leave the shame and guilt that is often espoused to these experiences. Mentors can be very effective in helping reframe your thinking about an experience. 2- Always Take The Meeting You have no clue what the possibilities are for an opportunity. Never just look at things superficially and decide that it is not worth your time. Making well informed decisions, especially about professional moves, require having all of the details. Go to the meeting and be open to the possibility of having your mind changed 3- Allowing Yourself to be Influenced I mean (like) a lot, a lot! LOL. If you find or even just hear of anyone who is excelling in their respecting field- Reach Out! Ask them about how they got to where they are, and that have learned or wish they knew sooner. The great folks will keep it real with you about what they had to do. Some of what you learn from them, may challenge your current understanding or viewpoint. My advice is to take it all in. Don't be so sure about your view or knowledge that other people can't influence your thinking. Bottom Line: As you prepare to start APPEs, resist the urge of rejecting unfamiliar experiences. The magic of rotation is in its ability to open your mind to seeing yourself and your role as a healthcare provider in a new light. If you're preoccupied with maintaining the status quo, you risk missing out on transformative learning opportunities. Helping You WIN! -Saley 🖤 🙋♀️