You’re working hard to finish your Pharmacy degree, and now it’s time for your internship, but the burning question is: will it actually get you the job you want? 

Here’s the truth: thousands of Pharmacy students enter internships each year, but only a handful truly stand out.

Why Your Pharmacy Internship Matters More Than You Think

That 1,824-hour paid internship isn’t just a requirement, it’s your launchpad.

Internship isn’t just about ticking boxes. Your internship year isn’t just a stepping stone to permanent roles or future hospital pharmacist positions, it’s the foundation for how you’ll practise for the rest of your career. 

The habits you form, the mentors you learn from, and the environments you experience will all influence the kind of pharmacist you become post-registration. 

Why? Because too many Intern Pharmacists treat it like a race to the finish line, focused on clocking the hours rather than soaking up the real-world learning. 

But it’s a one-time chance to work alongside experienced pharmacists, ask the tough questions, and learn how to think, act, and respond like a registered professional. Rushing through it means missing the moments that shape your future practice.

If you’re serious about landing your dream role in this ultra-competitive field, these are the pharmacy internship tips you can’t afford to ignore.

1. Show Up Like a Pro, Not a Student

The transition from student to Intern Pharmacist begins the moment you step into the dispensary, not on your first day, but from the minute you walk in for your interview. 

Greet your future colleagues with confidence, take interest in the patients around you, and show that you’re already thinking like part of the team. Dress professionally, arrive early, and be mentally present. 

That first impression isn’t just polite, it could be the reason you’re offered a permanent role down the track.

2. Create a Personal Development Plan

You’re not just there to observe, you’re there to evolve. In addition to following your Intern Training Program, start building your personal career development plan with focused monthly goals like:

• Improve communication with customers 
• Master dispensary software 
• Build confidence in clinical decisions 

Make a habit of reflecting weekly on your growth.

3. Learn the Business Side of Pharmacy

Being clinically sharp is important. However, so does understanding stock management, claims processing, and workflow. 

Ask to sit in on:

• Ordering meetings 
• Reconciliation of scripts 
• PBS claim audits 

This kind of exposure puts you ahead of other Interns.

4. Don’t Just Clock In: Contribute

You’re not just an extra set of hands, you’re a future pharmacist in training. The pharmacists around you may be busy, but they want to see you grow. 

You’re there to learn, contribute, and build the habits that will shape your future practice. One of the best things you can do early on is ask how you can help. 

Have an open conversation with your preceptor to understand what tasks they’re comfortable with you handling, and be ready to step up.

Try asking:

• What would you like me to focus on this week? 
• Is there something I can start taking more responsibility for? 
• Can you give me feedback on how I handled that situation?

Your role will evolve over time. Early on, it might be supporting Webster packs or keeping shelves tidy, but as your skills and confidence grow, so should your involvement. 

Learn how to manage minor ailments, support workflow, and engage with patients more actively. Every task is a stepping stone, and every step is a sign you’re becoming the pharmacist you set out to be.

5. Build Rapport with the Whole Team

Everyone in the pharmacy has something to teach you, treat them with the same respect. Your learning doesn’t start and stop with your preceptor. Every member of the team, from Pharmacy Assistants to Technicians, brings valuable experience, knowledge, and insight to the table. 

Whether it’s how to run an efficient dispensary, manage stock, handle a tricky customer, or understand the flow of the front counter, you’ll grow faster and stronger by learning from everyone around you.

Here’s why that matters:

• You’ll gain practical, real-world tips that aren’t in textbooks 
• You’ll learn soft skills, like teamwork and communication, that are essential in pharmacy 
• You’ll develop a reputation for being respectful, teachable, and easy to work with 
• You’ll better understand how the entire pharmacy operates, not just your part in it

Building relationships across the team makes you a more adaptable, confident intern, and a more capable pharmacist in the long run.

6. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Looking to build confidence and grow your skills? Step forward and take initiative with tasks like:

• Volunteer to counsel on new medications: Let the patient know you’re an intern, and you’re learning under supervision. Most people appreciate honesty and are more than happy to support you. 
• Handle a difficult customer (with support close by): These moments build resilience and teach you how to manage real-world challenges. Stay calm, listen carefully, and learn from every interaction. 
• Take the lead on a health promotion display: It’s a great way to combine clinical knowledge with creativity. Share helpful info with your community while building confidence in patient engagement.

Remember, confidence comes from practice and applied learning.

7. Document Everything: It’s Gold for Job Applications

Don’t just document for your intern plan, document for your future. 

As you record cases and reflections for your Intern Training Program, think bigger. These moments can also support your resume, interviews, and long-term career goals.

Capture things like:

• Clinical interventions you supported 
• OTC scenarios you managed 
• Workflow improvements you contributed to

Every entry is more than a task, it’s a chance to show growth and build a strong foundation for your career after registration.

8. Stay Alert for Locum Opportunities

Thinking about a locum gap year? Here’s what to know. 

You can’t do locum work during your internship, but once you’re registered, a locum gap year can be an incredible next step. 

It gives you:

• Fast exposure to a wide range of pharmacy settings 
• The flexibility to explore hospitals, rural communities, or corporate pharmacy roles 
• Solid income without the pressure of a permanent full-time position

If you’re curious about planning a locum gap year after registration, chat with the team at LocumCo, we’ll help you find the right opportunities to grow your career on your terms.

Set up custom alerts with LocumCo+ ™ 

9. Understand the Full Scope of Practice

Interns who focus solely on dispensing miss a valuable opportunity to grow. 

Pharmacy is about more than scripts, it’s about improving lives through quality use of medicines, tailored advice, and accessible care.

Take initiative and ask to be involved in:

• Health screenings and patient education 
• Vaccinations (if you’re authorised and supported) 
• Medication reviews and reconciliations

Be thoughtful about what your community needs. Look beyond the script to the person behind it, their family, their lifestyle, and their health journey. 

This is your chance to contribute meaningfully and develop as a pharmacist who sees the bigger picture.

11. Avoid These 3 Common Intern Pitfalls

Mistake 1: Just “doing the time” without active learning
Mistake 2: Not building relationships with other interns or Pharmacy Support Staff
Mistake 3: Waiting until graduation to start job hunting

Avoid these, and you’ll already be at the top of the pack.

12. Build Your LocumCo Profile Early

When you register with LocumCo as an intern, you gain access to valuable resources designed to accelerate your career. 

Here’s how we help:

• CV assistance: We assist in crafting a professional CV that highlights your strengths and makes you stand out to employers. 
• Pre-Interview guidance: We help you prepare for interviews, ensuring you feel confident and ready. 
• Negotiation and onboarding support: From salary negotiations to the onboarding process, we’re with you every step of the way. 

And the best part? There are no fees for the Intern. LocumCo supports you with career advice, interview prep, and connections to quality intern roles, no fees, just guidance to help you get started right. 

13. Network Beyond Your Internship Premise

Attend events hosted by:

• Get involved early: Join NAPSA and attend key events like APP, Pharmacy Connect, and the PSA Conference to build connections and stay industry-aware. 
• Build your support network: Join PSA and reach out to peers in your Intern Training Program (ITP) to share insights, support each other, and grow together.
• Stay connected with your university: Stay connected with your university peers and continue to learn and grow together throughout your intern year. 

These events open doors. We’ve seen interns secure full-time jobs directly from a handshake and a good conversation.

14. Let LocumCo Help You Stand Out

You’re not alone. With over 3 decades of experience, LocumCo specialises in connecting pharmacists with roles that suit their goals and lifestyle, including: 

• Explore intern roles: Visit our website to find positions that align with your goals 
• Use our resources: Access interview tips, resume guides, and career advice tailored for interns 
• Stay informed: Sign up for job alerts and insights to help plan your next steps after registration 

From scheduling to compliance, we take care of the back end so you can focus on patient care.

Ready to Shine? LocumCo Can Help You Stand Out in a Competitive Field

Following these pharmacy internship tips doesn’t just make you a better intern, it makes you a better Pharmacist. With so many Pharmacy graduates hitting the market, only the proactive, enthusiastic, and strategically positioned stand out.

At LocumCo, we do more than just list jobs. We actively connect employers with high-quality candidates, and we’re ready to support you, whether you’re after locum shifts, permanent placement recruitment, or relocation within Australia.

Don’t wait until your final year to plan your pharmacy career. 

At LocumCo, we support students at every stage, whether you’re exploring part-time jobs, looking ahead to internships, or just want to understand where a career in pharmacy can take you.

📞 Call us on 1800 357 001 or start exploring job opportunities today. Your career starts now, with LocumCo by your side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I stand out from other interns?

Focus on more than just ticking off your ITP requirements. Build relationships with the whole team, get involved in professional services, document your learnings, and attend events like PSA, APP, and Pharmacy Connect. The interns who go the extra mile are the ones who get remembered, and hired.

Can interns work as locums after registration?

Absolutely. Many interns begin their locum journey through Locum GapYear roles or as early-career locums through our tailored pathways.

Is it okay to ask for more responsibility during my internship?

Yes, and it’s encouraged. Communicate regularly with your preceptor about what tasks you can take on as you grow. From counselling patients to managing stock, stepping up (with supervision) shows initiative and builds clinical confidence.