Tracie Bowman: Building a lifelong career with Walgreens
In 1984, Tracie Bowman began her very first job ever as a customer service associate at her local Walgreens in Council Bluffs, IA. This summer, Bowman celebrated her 40-year work anniversary with the company where she has developed an impressive pharmacy career and now works as a regional healthcare director serving the Midwest region.
Her interest in pharmacy began in high school when her assistant manager at Walgreens introduced her to the profession and encouraged her to pursue a career in the field.
“I was fortunate to have leaders who encouraged me and inspired me to work hard,” Bowman shared.
Early in her career, Bowman worked in multiple pharmacy-related roles at Walgreens such as pharmacy cashier, pharmacy technician and pharmacy intern. After graduating from Creighton University with a pharmacy degree, Bowman then worked as a pharmacist, manager, pharmacy supervisor and area healthcare supervisor before landing in her current role.
As a regional healthcare director, Bowman’s day-to-day work is rarely the same, and expands beyond the stores to include connecting with schools of pharmacy, payor partners and even working with state lawmakers.
“Knowing we are part of the solution in improving patient health outcomes and closing gaps in care is what inspires me every day,” stated Bowman.
Developing skills to grow your career
Bowman attributes several opportunities and resources at Walgreens to helping her develop skills and guide her career to where it is today. Over her tenure, she has participated in stretch assignments which challenged her to think critically and partner with others across the enterprise; graduated from an internal Walgreens leadership development program; engaged in successful mentorship opportunities both inside and outside the organization; and led a chapter of Women of Walgreens, a Walgreens business resource group dedicated to supporting equity and inclusion of women in the workplace.
Here are five tips she shared about how to advance your own career development:
1. Embrace teamwork – You cannot do it all yourself.
2. Prioritize problem solving – Working on both short- and long-term problem solving can help in real world situations.
3. Remember your “why” – Take pride in the work that you do and the impact your work has on the communities we serve.
4. Self-management and motivation – Be dedicated to your work and making a difference.
5. Be curious and authentic.
Bowman says curiosity is an important attribute to possess if you’re considering a career with Walgreens.
“Be curious. There are more opportunities to support patients and teams than you may realize,” she explains “Our corner stores are the front porch to the profession of pharmacy. Come inside and see what else the profession and enterprise have to offer.”