They say time flies when you are having fun… and they (whoever they are) could not be more right. I cannot believe I am ending my 4th week here on rotation at ASHP. The experiences I have gotten to be a part of, the people I have met and the friends I have made will always be a part of my life. To reference my first blog about this rotation, I was very nervous coming into ASHP. As a student, I did not know what to expect from a rotation in “association management.” What I did not realize is just how much of a blast this rotation would be.
While on rotation here at ASHP, the most important thing I have learned is that pharmacy is a small, small world – don’t burn any bridges. The person you sat next to at a meeting could be your boss one day. The person you did a project for could be the one hiring you one day. Everyone knows everyone in pharmacy, so take every opportunity to learn from some of the most influential people in our profession and to soak in as much information as you can as a student to leave a lasting impression. Another important thing I have learned while at ASHP was that, as students and even new practitioners, we do not understand all of the great opportunities and information ASHP can offer us. From continuing education seminars to professional development opportunities to up-to-date guidelines and policies, ASHP is leading the change in our workforce and provides an optimistic and encouraging voice for our profession.
Also while on rotation at ASHP, I had the opportunity and honor to meet with some of the most inspirational leaders in pharmacy. I met with people from all of the different Offices and Divisions, as well as ASHP’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Policy, Planning, and Communications, Vice President of Publications and Drug Information Systems, Vice President of the Office of Practice Advancement, Editor in Chief of AJHP, Chief Executive Officer of ASHP Research and Education Foundation, Pharmacy Student Forum Director, New Practitioners Forum Director, every ASHP staff member of the Government Affairs Department, and so many more. The passion for the profession that these people have shown motivates me to be an advocate for our profession and to continue striving for excellence.
To make a long story short, give yourself opportunities for advancement in your career and always have an open mind – you never know what is going to come up. ASHP has been a valuable and rewarding rotation, one that will be hard to beat. I hate that I am leaving next week, and I hope to continue my connections with all of these wonderful mentors I have met within the last 4 weeks. So, in closing, I challenge you – what are you doing in our profession to improve yourself and others?