Studying Pharmacy has undoubtedly been one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had the privilege of pursuing. It offers the right balance for anyone wanting to embark on a career involving health care; from learning about clinical conditions to dissecting a guinea pigs intestine. It has really allowed me to enhance my skills set.
Much of mainstream education is really about how good your memory is and how much information you can retain that makes you succeed. Whilst a significant portion is about memory, there is so much in which confidence and problem-solving skills can help you achieve the best grades. Every single year of the 4-year course involves an OSCE examination in which it’s not just about what you know, it’s about how you convey what you know.
In terms of the UCAS application and the personal statement specifically, one of the important aspects is to explain the journey of why you would like to pursue a career in pharmacy and what your ultimate goal to achieve is. For my personal statement, I talked about going abroad and seeing the state of healthcare especially in my own home country and that’s something that sparked me into doing something in relation to healthcare.
What made me choose pharmacy was the work experience I gained prior to my application. I could really see myself being a full-time pharmacist. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the environment before applying for a career in pharmacy to see if it’s something that you feel comfortable working in. If you are someone who is happy working in a small space and like the security of working in a routine then this could be for you. Alternatively, if you prefer to be more active and dislike working in confined spaces, and value creativity more, then this may be something you need to consider.
When applying to study Pharmacy, it can be hugely beneficial to work with a 1 to 1 tutor who is familiar with university applications and understands what it takes to be successful in not only the physical application but the interview process, too. Working with a 1 to 1 tutor can save so much time and save you the stress of figuring it out all on your own. It takes much of the pressure out of your hands and you can focus on revising for your exams and tend to other commitments you may have.
What made me choose pharmacy was the work experience I gained prior to my application. I could really see myself being a full-time pharmacist. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the environment before applying for a career in pharmacy to see if it’s something that you feel comfortable working in. If you are someone who is happy working in a small space and like the security of working in a routine then this could be for you. Alternatively, if you prefer to be more active and dislike working in confined spaces, and value creativity more, then this may be something you need to consider.
When you’re going into an interview as part of your university application, you’ll likely be asked about why you would like to apply for a degree in Pharmacy. Although often times it can be due to your parents’ desires or a desire to have a “stable and secure career”, this may not help you stand the best chance in making a promising impression on the interviewer! Rather, it is important you come across as someone who has a real love for the subject, someone who can really add value to the industry as well as being someone who would be caring and sympathetic towards patients, has good communication skills and has a strong knowledge of medical terminology.
Pharmacists are sometimes seen as a ‘shopkeeper’ or ‘just someone who puts labels on boxes’ but there is so much more to being a pharmacist than just that; you’re a healthcare professional, which comes along with a lot of responsibility. Whenever any patient is in any need they usually come to you first. It is important to bear in mind that we’re currently under a pressurised NHS, resulting in long waiting lines to appoint with your GP, so whenever someone has an issue with their health, as time progresses more and more people visit their pharmacist instead of their doctor.
Ultimately, being a pharmacist can be a rewarding job as you are able to offer healthcare advice, being a medical professional. It is not simply prescribing medication, although it can initially appear as just that. Many pharmacists build long term relationships with their patients and customers and it can offer a lot of job satisfaction.
By Hafeez H, 1 to 1 private home tutor in London. Interested in arrange a 1 to 1 lesson with a home tutor or online tutor? Contact Us today.