Student Success: David Gupana, Pharmacy Technician Program

David Gupana, who took the Pharmacy Technician program at the College of DuPage, was using the knowledge learned in this program to help him transition to pharmacy school. MK Education’s Bree Abbas was able to catch up to David to ask a few questions about his success in the program after graduation, and on his amazing achievement of getting accepted into three pharmacy schools in Illinois!

Tell us briefly why you chose the Pharmacy Technician training program at COD. What made you want to get into pharmacy?

I registered for the Pharmacy Technician training program after applying to pharmacy school during my Fall 2012 semester at COD. I was coming into that academic year right after earning my bachelor’s degree in biology from UIC. My focus was pre-pharmacy, and I had already completed all of the application requirements, but I wanted to make sure pharmacy was the definite career path for me. I never worked as a pharmacy technician before, and I thought the program would provide me great insight into the field, all while preparing me for pharmacy school. I’m currently one semester into pharmacy school and I can definitely say it did!

How did your experience in class help you with applying to pharmacy school? Tell us where you got accepted!

The class really helped me out during my interviews at pharmacy schools. The majority of applicants already have pharmacy technician experience, so I would say that gives them a slight edge over other applicants without experience. I believe taking this program gave me leverage during the interviews, as it gave me things to talk about. During a group interview at Midwestern University, I was the only applicant in my group who wasn’t a pharmacy technician. Thankfully, I was able to refer to things I learned during the course, so it demonstrated competence and that I was actively learning.

I interviewed at Roosevelt University, Midwestern University, and University of Illinois at Chicago. I was accepted to all three, and ultimately chose to attend UIC.

How did you feel when you first got accepted to pharmacy school?

I first felt an enormous feeling of relief! This was eventually followed by much excitement. I had been aiming to go to the UIC College of Pharmacy since my baccalaureate studies, and when I was finally accepted, it felt like all my efforts truly came to fruition. From time to time, I like reflecting on this moment to remind myself how far I’ve come and how fortunate I am to be in the position I am in today.

What advice can you give any other graduates or students that are taking pharmacy tech training in the hopes of going on to pharmacy school?

Play to your strengths and invest in yourself! One thing I noticed while interviewing at different schools was that they are all looking for a well-rounded applicant. So try to identify facets about yourself that you think would make you stand out. For me, it was my tech savviness. Build upon these facets—you can use them as a foundation for your personal statement or interviews. Furthermore, if you invest in yourself with useful skills, you will better your chances of catching the interest of the interviewer and securing a spot in the school. Bottom line: get creative! All of my interviews were surprisingly relaxed, so the application process is not as rigid as you would think. At the same time, still exude professionalism!

What type of job are you currently seeking?

Currently, I am seeking a part-time pharmacy internship or a part-time pharmacy technician position at any type of pharmacy. In the future, I would like to work as a nuclear pharmacist or a hospital pharmacist, so those settings are of interest to me. I am also looking into the pharmaceutical industry for a future career, so some type of industry position would be a great experience.

What skills do you feel will make you an asset to a pharmacy?

While shadowing in pharmacies, one observation that I have made about technicians and pharmacists is how they are conscientious to patients while balancing their responsibilities inside the pharmacy. In retail, it can be a juggling act at times, and this demandingness may divert you from what is most important: the patient and their well-being. Being able to find that balance between efficiency and empathy for patients is key, and I think the best way to do this is to be attentive and assertive.

For more information about the College of DuPage Pharmacy Technician Training Program, please reach out to Katie Leonardo, Program Coordinator with College of DuPage at 630-942-2176 or leonardok@cod.edu.

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