Volunteer Review

My role at Sudbury Chemist Pharmacy involved running errands such as cleaning up shelves and working at the till. I also got the chance to learn about some medicines and various other things sold by the pharmacy. I also got to see how the pharmacy does other things apart from dispensing medicine, such as taking passport photos. Ultimately, the role was varied, but a little mundane.

I did manage to develop quite a few skills. By having to unload, clean and then reload the shelves, as well as reorganise them, my organisational skills were developed. Additionally, I learned new managerial skills when it came to running the till and getting colleagues to bring me certain medicines. This simultaneously developed my leadership, and communication skills.

I quite enjoyed the programme during the first few days working at Sudbury Chemist pharmacy due to the new skills I was learning and developing. However, in the final few days the repetition of tasks made some of the work seem quite monotonous, as I was restricted in what I could do. Overall, the programme was enjoyable, but required resilience and dedication to ensure it stayed refreshing.

I felt very appreciated by the entire team. ALl of my efforts and hard work were continually commended and rewarded by all of the staff at Sudbury Chemist Pharmacy. Both the employees and the employer always noticed the energy and dedication I put into my work, as well as the enthusiasm I displayed. On top of praise, I was also presented with a gift as a thank you from the staff. Therefore, I can say I felt very appreciated and valued by everyone at the pharmacy.

The programme wasn't incredibly well structured, with a lot of the training being given during the task, and without a schedule or timetable. It seemed that a lot of the work I was given was formulated on the spot. This being said, once the work was given to me, I continually received support and training on how to do the job as efficiently as possible.

I received a lot of support from the training provider once I had begun my tasks. I was walked through everything that needed to be done, and he was always available to answer any of my queries throughout my work. It would have been nice, however, if I was given training before undertaking a task, as it would have enabled me to do it better, and with more confidence.

I didn't receive much help from the employer, as he was always quite busy running the pharmacy. He did, however, at the beginning of the work experience and at the end of my work experience, talk to me about my time at the pharmacy, what I had learned, and how I could apply those skills to my future.

I was not paid, but because I always walked to Sudbury Chemist Pharmacy, as well as ate lunch at home, I didn't incur a very large cost. At the end of my work experience, I was given a gift for my work, which was not expected, but was nonetheless greatly appreciated. All in all, the payment didn't cover many costs, but due to it being work experience, I didn't have that many costs to begin with.

There weren't really any opportunities outside of work. Being based in Sudbury, Sudbury Town was a five minute walk away, however the thigs to do there were limited. There are lots of places for lunch, and easy transport links because Sudbury Town Underground Station is quite close. Since I didn't use this, I didn't deem them very useful.

No

Although an option for pharmaceutical work experience, I feel that both the tasks and the location make for a not very opportunistic placement. If one wishes to pursue pharmacy, I believe that there are better options out there for places to conduct work experience, and they should be looked into.

To anyone applying, you must visit the pharmacy and talk to the employer at Sudbury Chemist Pharmacy, as well as being able to, and willing to, work relatively long hours and doing very labourous tasks. Make sure you come in dressed smart and presentable, as well as taking notes throughout the work experience, as you will need to reflect on it at the end of your work experience, and compare it to when you began.