The College of Pharmacy’s first-through third-year student pharmacists came together for the college’s eighth annual Career Expo, a virtual event designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the wide expanse of professional opportunity.
Presenters included 36 alumni and 16 additional pharmacy professionals, representing 10 states, including Alaska, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Top practice areas included community pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, ambulatory care and health-system outpatient settings, alongside specialty areas such as pediatrics, emergency medicine and pharmacy informatics.
Jordan Ballou, associate dean of student affairs, says the expo gives students an efficient way to grow their networking opportunities.
"The Career Expo is a really quick way for students to establish meaningful relationships with pharmacists in a variety of fields," Ballou says. "The consistent feedback we receive from students is, 'I had no idea this job existed, and I can't wait to learn more.'"
"The consistent feedback we receive from students is, 'I had no idea this job existed, and I can't wait to learn more.'"
Students are encouraged to review the presenter list in advance and to step outside their comfort zones, she adds.
For Mackenzie Martin, Class of 2028, that nudge paid off. A conversation with pharmacist Dawn Jensen opened her eyes to pharmacy informatics.
“It was interesting hearing about how she continues to use her clinical knowledge in a field that is more tech focused," Martin notes.
Lanie Florian-West, Class of 2027, says discussions with practicing pharmacists helped to reinforce her passion for advocacy.
"One statement that resonated with me was that if we do not advocate for the profession now, there may not be a profession to advocate for in the future," Florian-West says.
Alumni said the event offered as much to them as it did to students.
Crystal Watts, a 2009 graduate, is program director for the pharmacy technician program at Trident Technical College in Charleston, South Carolina and has participated in the expo several times. Each year reminds her of her own time as a student pharmacist.
"I always think back to when I was in their shoes and try to give them the advice that I wish more experienced pharmacists had shared with me back then," Watts recalls.
Steven Burch, a 1999 graduate and field medical account lead at GSK, takes part in the expo to help demystify careers in the pharmaceutical industry and to invest in the next generation of pharmacists.
"Networking is vital for students," Burch says. "It builds confidence and often opens doors to internships, mentorships and early-career opportunities."
Topics: Pharm.D. Program, Student Experience, Why Pharmacy?