Tips from MCPHS Doctor of Pharmacy Graduates: Fellowships

What advice would you give to MCPHS students who are preparing to apply for a fellowship?

“To prepare for the fellowship process, talk to as many people who work in industry as possible to get a better idea what the jobs in different areas of industry would entail. I found it extremely helpful to hear about their careers, to have them look over my CV, and to get their advice. Additionally, it is helpful to talk to current fellows to understand the application process and Midyear. This information is very helpful in deciding what positions to apply for. Have a firm understanding of what the different positions mean and what the difference is between regulatory affairs and medical affairs, for example.”

Tips on surviving the Midyear conference?

“Midyear can be a crazy few days. When you arrive, stock up on granola bars/snacks and water bottles at a nearby store. You may not have much time to eat since you can have many interviews in one day. I would also recommend having a 30-minute break between interviews to collect your thoughts, relax, and get ready for the next interview. This break can provide you with time to write your thank you cards while the interview is still fresh in your mind.”

“Stay calm. The process can seem overwhelming at times but is definitely worth it. Be as prepared as possible when getting ready. Remember to pack your essentials: CVs, business cards, thank you cards, snacks, etc. If you are flying to the Midyear conference make sure to pack your most important possessions in your carry on (i.e. suits, CVs, etc.) so that in case your suitcase gets lost you still have your essentials with you.”

Tips for surviving the application and interview process?

“To make the application process easier, start your letter of intent before Midyear, and fill in the specifics after Midyear. Try to send in your application within a few days of getting back from the conference. Be very familiar with your CV and experiences. If it is on your CV, then it is fair game to ask in an interview. During Midyear candidates go on many interviews over the course of a few days, so it is important to be as concise and memorable as possible without standing out for the wrong reasons. Be able to provide your answer to the interview question in the right amount of detail. Practicing with friends, preceptors, and mentors prior to Midyear can make you more comfortable talking about yourself. However, do not memorize the answers because this can come off as being too scripted and not candid enough. Also, it is important to prepare questions to ask the interviewers because there often time at the end of the interview dedicated to your questions.”

What do you wish you had known earlier or what would you do over if you had the chance?

“If I did the process over, I would start my letter of intent before Midyear. Travel the day before the conference begins in case there is any issues with a canceled flight or change in travel plans. Also, it gives you a day to relax and prepare prior to the conference beginning.”

Was there a tip that was invaluable to you?

“One person advised that I look over possible questions to get an idea of what might be asked in an interview. I did not memorize answers, but it was helpful to practice answering questions and to think of specific examples that supported my answer. Be yourself. Ultimately, you want to be in a position where you can be happy and succeed.”

Any other tips and advice that you would like to provide?

“Make sure you reread your CV many times to ensure there are no typos, and have as many people look over it as possible. Most importantly, stay calm and be genuine in your interviews. One piece of advice I feel really helped me in the process of Midyear was staying organized. The process can seem overwhelming at times but staying completely organized throughout makes the experience more manageable and not as overwhelming. Prior to the Midyear conference I had done research evaluating the different programs and was able to narrow down the positions/companies I was interested most in so that I went into Midyear very focused. It is very important to do your research prior to the conference.”