Your Career Framework
I met with two student pharmacists last week and left the conversation inspired about the future of our profession. I was especially impressed with their unique outlook and enthusiasm for their pharmacy careers.
However, when I asked what worried them about their future, they said.
“If you choose a certain pharmacy career path you don’t like, how do you pivot?”
We agreed that practice is changing at a speed faster than we’ve seen.
Technology such as AI, social media, and automation are forcing us to rethink how we function in our professional lives. Plus, pharmacy (and our entire healthcare system) is becoming leaner, value-focused, and quality-driven.
So, this question about pivoting and shifting goals is not unique and is on the forefront of many of our minds.
My answer to their question was simple (and tricky all at the same time): When you know yourself and what makes you happy, you’ll know when it’s time to make a change.
A 3-Step framework that can help you design your best pharmacy career is:
1. Reflect
- What do you like and don’t like about where you are?
- What makes you feel fulfilled?
- What knowledge or skills gaps are stopping you from getting what you want?
2. Plan
- How will you shift to meet your next goal.
- What do you need to learn or do?
- Are there strategic relationships that can help you to accomplish your goals?
- Do you need to shift your personal “brand” or energy focus?
3. Do
- Put your plan into action.
- Does it require a different job, or can you shift within your current role?
- Utilize a coach and/or an accountability partner to stay on the course.
- Measure your success by reflecting when you meet the goal (or if you don’t, what do you need to do differently?)
What are your thoughts about pivoting and shifting in your career? What have you done to make this goal achievable?
I love hearing from you!
As always, have a great week and keep learning!
Jen
