For some people, applying for a job or into a volunteer program can be intimidating. As undergraduates, we often underestimate our qualifications and abilities to interact in a professional setting. In addition, application processes can be rather competitive, stimulating a sense of fear that inhibits some of us from even taking a chance to showcase what we have to offer to a valuable employer.
In my experience, I have found that taking initiative relives the pressures of competitiveness when applying for any type of position. For example, when I discovered my passion to become a pharmacist, I quickly found the opportunities available to gain hands-on experience in a retail setting. When I found out that Elephant Pharmacy had an opening for the summer, I applied immediately, but was turned down due to the high volume of applicants. Although I was stressed and disappointed over this rejection, I continued to visit Elephant Pharmacy throughout the fall semester. Even though there were no openings at the time, I would drop off an updated copy of my resume and happily speak with the pharmacist, expressing my interest in their volunteer program. By having this personal interaction, I was able to put a face to my resume. In addition, I knew a couple of volunteers at Elephant Pharmacy and used my networking skills to ask them more about the program. I would ask the volunteers for tips about qualities that the pharmacy manager looks for in their candidates, updates for further openings, or even to possibly recommend me to the program and put in a good word for me to the pharmacist.
When
the spring semester arrived, I applied once again. This time,
the pharmacist immediately exclaimed, “Hey I remember you, you look
really familiar! I think I’ve seen you here before…” Before
I knew it, I landed my volunteer position at Elephant Pharmacy and stayed
there throughout the summer. It was an experience I will never
forget, and I was happy to know that my patience, persistence, and initiative
paid off in the end!
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