Alumni Spotlight: Travis Frost, PharmD. ’19
Travis Frost, PharmD. ’19
Pharmacist at Holland’s Variety Drug, Skowhegan, ME
The Office of Alumni Advancement recently interviewed Travis Frost, PharmD. ’19 about his ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ experience and his current career path.
How did you wind up in your current position?
About a year ago, I emailed one of my former professors asking if he knew anybody hiring within independent pharmacy because those companies very rarely advertise that they're looking. He left me a voicemail that night saying that he had dinner with the brother of a guy who owned three private pharmacies in Maine; he got my email on his way to that dinner. He put in a good word for me and that is how I got connected with my current boss.
What is something you learned the hard way?
Something I learned the hard way is the crucial nature of networking. I worked as a technician or intern for one company for numerous years throughout school part-time; one of my biggest faults was that I did not make time to introduce myself to the boss that everybody knew hired people. I kept telling myself that a more convenient opportunity would present itself and it never did. Although I was confident in my resume and interviewing skills, the first time I met this man was the day of my interview. And even though I had worked part-time for that company all throughout pharmacy school, guess who didn't get the job? I didn't know the right person.
What advice would you give to current students who may be job searching or graduating soon?
The most important thing to think about is the importance of building your brand. As a friend, colleague, and pharmacist, what do you want people to think of when they think of you? Students have an opportunity to craft this here at UNE and it is pivotal that your brand works strongly in your favor. Whether inside or out of the classroom, in professional or personal relationships, your brand will influence your impact on others and their feelings towards you. No matter the situation, work hard and do the right thing because someone is always watching. And once you're on the job market, this is what companies will be hiring: not your GPA or academic achievements, but your brand and what you bring to the table.
What is something you are proud of?
Especially throughout the pandemic, pharmacists stepped up time and time again to prove their value within health care. With all the misinformation out there, pharmacists will continue to be a trusted and available source of education for the communities in which they serve.