Directions for Immigrants

Maher's journey in three years: from cashierto pharmacy owner

Maher arrived in Calgary in July 2010 from Syria, along with his wife and son. They cameto Canada "looking for better circumstances," says Maher. He had over seven years ofexperience in international markets as a pharmacist, pharmaceutical representative andproduct manager. Prior to his arrival, he did a lot of research on the Pharmacylicensing process. "I knew this journey wasn't going to be easy," expressed Maher.

A couple of weeks after his arrival he wrote the Evaluating Exam and successfullypassed. In 2011 he came to Directions for Immigrants motivated to join the MCQ andOSCE study groups and he successfully passed both exams. In order to pay the bills,he got a job at Safeway keeping his goal in mind. "I applied as a cashier with a retailerthat had a pharmacy where I could be hired in the future," Maher recalls.

After 7 months of working as a cashier he obtained a Pharmacy Intern position atSafeway, which allowed him to complete his internship hours. By January of 2012 hefinally became licensed and was hired as a Pharmacist. One year later he advancedto the Pharmacy Manager position and by February 2013 he became a PharmacyOwner of a Shoppers Drug Mart in Calgary.

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Maher's journey in three years: from cashier to pharmacy owner | Newsletter Winter 2016

Maher is thankful to the people and organizations who helped him along the way:Directions for Immigrants, Bredin, the managers at Safeway, his internationally educatedpharmacist peers, facilitators, and above all, his family "who supported me along theway," says Maher.

Maher advises any internationally pharmacy graduates who are in the process ofbecoming licensed: "I recommend Directions for Immigrants to meet pharmacistswho are in the same boat. The career coaches and facilitators can also guide you in thisprocess and help you save time."

When asked about his plans for the future, Maher responds with a humble smile: "I haveachieved more than I expected in a short time. I will continue to provide health care toCanadians to live their lives in a healthy way."

Directions assists participants to gain accreditation through the delivery of exampreparation study groups, one-on-one career coaching, and access to a library ofpharmacy textbooks. Spaces are available in the upcoming EE, MCQ andOSCE groups starting in February Call 403-770-5155 to book an appointment.

Congratulations Nik!Nik is an internationally educatedpharmacist who passed the PEBC MCQexam after completing the exam prepstudy group at Directions. "The grouphelped me pass the exam," said Nik,who is now working as a PharmacyIntern in Calgary.

Kudos to Rhodric!Rhodric passed the NCLEX-RN exam!He is an internationally educated nursewith over 5 years of experience whorecently completed our NCLEX-RN examprep study group. The group is focusedon getting us ready for the exam, saidRhodric.

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Maher's journey in three years: from cashier to pharmacy owner | Newsletter Winter 2016

PEBC EE, MCQand OSCE examprep study groupsDon't wait. Join the examprep study groups thatwill help you pass. Thethree groups forinternationally educatedpharmacists start inFebruary. For clientsliving outside of Calgarywe offer an onlinedelivery option for EEand MCQ. Call 403-770-5155. Toll free: 1-877-297-2553

ClearCommunicationfor BusinessComplete this jobsuccess group in 1 weekfrom February 22 to 26!Improve yourcommunication skillsrequired to be successfulin the workplace. It wasa great experience. Ilearned a lot in thisworkshop. Thank you forthe opportunity, saysHugo, an internationallyeducated engineer.

Becominglicensed withAPEGADirections for Immigrantsis offering the "Becominglicensed with APEGA"info session forinternationally educatedengineers andgeoscientists on January28. This session willcover the recent changesto processinginternational transcriptsand it is only offered toDirections' clients.

Workshops Winter 2016Networking and Job Leads

How to Information Interview

How to Network

Study Methods for Exam Preparation

LinkedIn

Job Search Strategies

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Office location:Bow Valley College, West Campus219, 300 - 6 Ave SE Calgary AB T2G 0G5

Directions for Immigrants is operated by Bow Valley College.This service is funded by the Government of Alberta and theGovernment of Canada.

Tel: 403-770-5155Toll Free: 1-877-297-2553directions@bowvalleycollege.cawww.directionsforimmigrants.ca

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Local DiskMaher's journey in three years: from cashier to pharmacy owner | Newsletter Winter 2016