“STEM Career Series”

Everywhere you turn, someone is lamenting America's scarcity of scientists, technology specialists, engineers, and mathematicians. While encouraging young people to work in these sectors is a great goal, the lack of these specialists isn't as severe as politicians, commentators, and even education experts make it out to be. Many professions, in fact, are already over-saturated, with few job openings and fierce competition for those that do exist. Unemployment is at an all-time high for some, and as many graduates are discovering, even a Ph.D. isn't a guarantee of success. When you combine these existing challenges with a push to enrol more students in STEM programmes, you've got yourself a recipe for a congested and over-saturated labour market.

These reasons, however, do not rule out the possibility of students pursuing jobs in STEM subjects, nor do they rule out the need for more talented young thinkers and innovators. While job competition is fierce, students interested in pursuing a STEM career should not be discouraged. Instead, competition can help graduates stay motivated to get certificates, gain experience, and develop abilities that will prepare them for the demands of the workplace.

The “STEM career Series” that follows not only highlights some of the hottest, fastest-growing STEM occupations, but also offers recommendations on the training, experience, and abilities that will help students navigate the job market more smoothly. Even if your desired career isn't on the list, don't be afraid to read the advice given by others who have already worked in these professions; it's sound advise for anyone wishing to work in a STEM industry.

STEM Jobs we want- Pharmacist

Pharmacists are among the most in-demand and well-paid professionals in STEM today, making this a very appealing career option for individuals interested in the sciences. Experts predict a surge in pharmacy jobs over the next decade, fueled by an ageing population, the development of new pharmaceuticals, a complex healthcare system, and a huge number of present pharmacists hitting retirement age. It's expected that the field would expand by up to 25%, opening up more than 69,700 new employments in physician's offices, outpatient care centres, nursing homes, and other medical facilities for people with the right skills.

Working as a pharmacist provides not only a variety of work prospects, but also the opportunity to guarantee that patients receive high-quality healthcare and have access to pharmaceuticals that can help them live longer and better lives. When delivering medications, pharmacists frequently work closely with patients, providing advice on how to use them appropriately and ensuring that they are taken securely. They also collaborate with insurance companies and healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive prescriptions as quickly as possible and at the lowest possible cost. Some pharmacists may choose to work in research for pharmaceutical firms, frequently through universities, rather than in the retail sector, which could lead to the discovery of whole new pharmaceuticals, which is an intriguing potential for those interested in the field. Pharmacists are handsomely compensated for their work and knowledge.

Education and Training

Those interested in becoming pharmacists must first obtain a bachelor's degree in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry, while other areas of competence may be acceptable. Students must take anatomy, biology, and chemistry classes regardless of their degree level. While bachelor's degrees are frequently suggested for individuals interested in becoming pharmacists (and are required by most top schools), they are not always required, as some programmes allow students to jump right into pharmacy school after taking introductory courses.

Students must complete a Bachelor of Pharmacy programme from a recognised college or university to become licenced as a pharmacist. The better a student performs in undergrad, the more likely they are to get accepted into pharmacy school. This curriculum will involve pharmacology and medical ethics courses, as well as supervised job experience in medical settings such as hospitals and retail pharmacies. Doctor of pharmacy programmes typically last four years, however certain three-year programmes are also available.

Graduates can enter the job market after that, but individuals wanting advanced roles in clinical pharmacy or research labs must complete a residency in a medical facility. Those who wish to start their own firm should obtain an MBA, while those who want to specialise should seek graduate education in disciplines such as public health.

Skills to Develop

In order to have a successful career as a pharmacist, all pharmacists will need these talents.

Management: Pharmacists must be able to collaborate with and manage others, as well as control inventories and guarantee that medications are available.

Detail oriented: Because even a minor error in filling a prescription can result in major adverse effects, pharmacists must ensure that all medications they distribute are accurate and safe to use in the amounts recommended.

Analytical Skills: Analytical skills are vital for pharmacists since they must be able to assess client demands, interpret doctors' prescriptions, and guarantee that all medications are administered safely and appropriately.

Communication skills: Interpersonal skills are highly valued in pharmacists since they must interact closely with customers and patients to explain frequently complicated prescriptions. In order to communicate with other medical professionals, pharmacy technicians, and other team members, solid communication skills are also essential.

Career Advice from the Experts

Obtaining a licence is the first step toward a profession as a pharmacist. To practise in any state, you must have this qualification. Graduates must pass two tests to receive a licence, which will test their understanding of medicines and pharmacy law, as well as ensuring that all pharmacists are equally well-trained and capable. It will be impossible to obtain job in this industry without this licence.

Employers are searching for pharmacists who have experience interacting with patients in addition to basic licensure. "Exposure to patients and patient care during school will make applicants more successful," says Papatya Tankut, vice president of CVS Pharmacy Professional Services. This type of expertise can be gained through clinical education, but internships that provide direct contact with patients can also be quite beneficial to a CV.

Employers clearly desire pharmacists with excellent technical abilities and an encyclopaedic knowledge of drugs, but there are other qualities that are equally important in the job search. Pharmacists searching for work should emphasise leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills in their resumes. Additionally, because most pharmacists work in retail settings, business expertise, whether gained through internships, courses, or extracurricular activities, can be beneficial.

Those seeking to set themselves apart from the competition in the job market may wish to acquire certifications. There are various that can assist in getting work in a variety of fields. The Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties Certification, for example, offers nuclear, nutrition support, oncology, pharmacotherapy, and psychiatric designations, as well as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment certification, Diabetes Educator certification, and geriatric pharmacy certification. These credentials aren't necessary, but they can help you find work and stand out on a CV.