From a Christmas Temp to Trainee Pharmacist – Hardeep’s story

Hardeep is one of our Trainee Pharmacists – but began his Boots career over eight years ago, working as a Christmas temp while he was studying for his GCSE’s at school!

We caught up with him to find out more about his journey so far, and what led him down this path…

Cast your mind back, what made you choose Boots? 

Ever since I was little, I’ve been familiar with the Boots name. I grew up with the business as my mum has worked for Boots for 26 years as a No7 advisor and my sister also worked for Boots for eight years, so it felt only natural that I join, what felt to me like, the ‘family business’! I’d heard a lot about what it was like working for Boots and my local Boots store was always busy and full of a friendly atmosphere so I decided to apply for a Christmas temp role – I got the job. Eight years later and here I am, training to be a Pharmacist!

What made you decide to progress your career into Pharmacy?

I’d always been interested in the sciences at school and loved chemistry, so much so that I decided to study the subject at university. During my university studies, I also decided to sit my exams to become a Boots Pharmacy Advisor. I became heavily involved in the pharmacy operations and was inspired by my Trainee Pharmacist colleague at the time with all of her clinical knowledge. I have always had a passion for helping people and loved the science behind medicines, so after some deliberation decided to transfer from chemistry to pharmacy. I realised I wanted to become a Pharmacist and use my knowledge to help patients with their healthcare needs.

What support have you had along the way?

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my manager Jo enrolling me on the various healthcare courses and dispenser courses all those years ago. Studying for those qualifications is what made me realise how much I enjoy helping patients with their medicines.

Of course, pharmacy is a subject where you never stop learning. Luckily I have the support of my very experienced pharmacy team who are always happy to answer my questions and support my development. My tutor Yen and regular Pharmacist Pardeep actively get me involved in various pharmacy operations and get me thinking and acting like a Pharmacist, which is a great help as I make this transition from a Trainee Pharmacist to a fully qualified Pharmacist.

What would you say to somebody considering joining us as a Christmas temp?

Boots is a great company to work for, you feel like part of a family when you’re at work. The atmosphere in Boots stores at Christmas is magical, especially with the Christmas decorations go up and the Christmas songs are playing! Christmas is without doubt my favourite time of the year in store! Plus, you never know where you may end up in a few years’ time – being a Christmas temp could well be the starting point of a long and promising career with Boots!

Describe your journey with Boots in 5 words

Where has the time gone?

What’s next for you?

At the minute, I’m currently focusing on completing the Trainee Pharmacist Foundation Year. At the end of this year I will sit a notoriously difficult exam which will determine whether I qualify as a pharmacist or not. After that, I would like to stay with Boots as a Relief Pharmacist and then hopefully continue to progress and one day run my own pharmacy and store.

Would you like to become part of our story this Christmas? Click on the link to see our live roles www.boots.jobs/christmas/