2024 ASHP Midyear Advice

Congratulations on making it to Midyear! For many of you, this will be your first time attending and interviewing at PPS. You’re likely curious about what in-person interactions with potential companies will be like. To help you navigate the MCPHS fellowship recruitment process at ASHP Midyear 2024 in New Orleans, LA, we’ve put together some helpful tips and tricks.

How to get to Midyear

• Book your flights and hotels as early as possible.
• ASHP has a list of hotels that offer special rates for Midyear attendees, refer to the official ASHP website for more information on hotel reservations.
  • ASHP posts a PDF file detailing all discounted hotels, including special rates, distance from the convention center, and other hotel amenities.
  • Some hotels are further from the convention center than others, you may need to account for additional travel.
    • ASHP offers a free shuttle service for most hotels that are not within walking distance.
  • Usually the headquarter hotel(s) are at the site of the convention center and a quick walk
• Some pharmacy schools may have professional development resources or financial support that students may utilize to attend conferences. Check with your institution for opportunities and details.

What to pack and wear to Midyear

• Business professional attire (at least one suit) for interviews
• Business casual/cocktail for receptions
• Smart casual for any impromptu dinner invitations
• Comfortable professional shoes! The venue is large and there is often a lot of walking

What to bring to the convention center

+Interview essentials

• CV – always bring paper copies of your CV
• Business cards (electronic or paper)
• Computer/notebook – something easily accessible to write in and take notes/keep a schedule
• Thank you cards (may opt to send thank you emails instead)
• Professional briefcase or bag to hold your items

+Personal essentials

• Snacks
• Water bottle
• Mints
• Tissues
• Chapstick
• Portable charger or power bank

What to expect from Midyear

• Interviews! You will most likely be interviewing at Personnel Placement Service (PPS) (see below for what to expect from PPS)
• Programs may invite you to the MCPHS Midyear reception. This is an opportunity to get to know the fellowship team in a more informal setting. If invited, you should prioritize attending. Be sure to thank each of the individuals for the invitation. Be professional, personable, and have good conversations.
• Programs may also choose to host a dinner. This is typically specific to each position and includes the fellowship team and other candidates. This is another opportunity to network and get to know the team!
• Keep in mind to always be professional, consider your entire experience to be a part of the interview!

What to expect from PPS

• Once you register to attend ASHP Midyear, be sure to register for PPS as well since it requires a separate registration.
• PPS is a large exhibit hall with isles of booths within the convention center
• You will most likely be interviewing inside the booths, this is a closed off area within the company’s designated space.
• PPS is not just for fellowship candidates, there are many different interviews occurring in one space (ex. PGY2 residencies, post-residency positions, etc.)
• We suggest looking at the PPS floor plan provided by ASHP and doing a walk-through to make sure you know where you are going before your interviews.
• If you have multiple in-person interviews, give yourself time in between (at least 30 minutes) to find your next interview location, review notes, and give yourself time if an interview runs late, etc.

Have further questions? If you have more questions, please contact the fellowship office at PharmDFellowships@mcphs.edu