Your Path
To Industry
Starts Here

We're diving into a fundamental skill that underpins success in any field but is particularly crucial when navigating the dynamic and highly competitive landscape of the pharmaceutical industry: goal setting and achievement.

Whether you're a recent graduate eyeing your first role in the pharmaceutical industry or an experienced pharmacist considering a transition into this health care segment, having a clear roadmap and the strategies to reach your destination is paramount.

The pharmaceutical industry thrives on innovation, precision, and a long-term vision. Your career pursuit should mirror these principles. Simply having a vague aspiration to enter industry isn't enough. You need to move beyond generalities and cultivate specific goals that can be monitored, measured, and achievable within a reasonable timeframe. For example, your goal may be to secure a fellowship in medical affairs (MA) this coming fall application cycle.

The 2025 Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) National Fellows Council (NFC) Kick-Off Meeting was hosted in July, in person at the UCB campus in Atlanta, GA. The event brought together fellows, preceptors, directors, and members of the IPhO leadership team to network, exchange insights on the pharmaceutical industry, and emphasize the vital contributions pharmacists make within the field.

This year, 25 attendees joined us in person, while another 10 tuned in virtually!

The meeting featured networking sessions, educational seminars, and professional development panels. The day opened with welcoming remarks from Nicole Thompson, Vice President of the IPhO Fellows Community. Nicole provided an overview of IPhO, highlighting its impact on students, fellows, and industry professionals.

To student pharmacists navigating your path, let's dive into a crucial conversation about the future of pharmacy. A recent article in Drug Topics (1), brings to light a vital topic: how pharmacy education must evolve to genuinely prepare you for the realities of the modern workforce, particularly concerning the pervasive issue of pharmacist burnout.

This article highlights a Pennsylvania survey (2) where most pharmacy students observed significant burnout across various practice settings, with community chain pharmacies frequently cited. This observation profoundly influenced their career choices, leading many to prioritize roles that promise better work-life balance and flexibility. It's a clear indication that the next generation is acutely attuned to the pressures within the field, and rightly so.