Alma Mater: West Virginia University, School of Pharmacy, Class of 2014
Current Role: Pharmacy Practice Resident, Cleveland VA Medical Center

As a pharmacy student, I was largely unaware of the many opportunities available within the pharmaceutical industry. Like many, I gravitated toward a strong interest and focus in clinical pharmacy through my internship and professional organizational experiences. Then, in my 3rd year of pharmacy school I discovered the exciting and dynamic industry opportunities in the discipline of Medical Affairs. A MSL from a leading pharma company spoke to our AMCP chapter about her career path within the pharmaceutical industry and ability to utilize her clinical knowledge and relationship building skills to positively impact patient care on such large scale.

Unfortunately, based upon the few industry rotations available through my school, and the application and timing process, I was unable to pursue any industry summer internship positions. Realizing that this would be a disadvantage to me, I invested significant effort in reaching out to industry pharmacists for advice on post-graduate training opportunities to help me pursue my goal of securing a position within the pharmaceutical Industry. I also gathered as much information as possible on industry fellowships, including attending the Fellowship Information and Networking Day (FIND) at Rutgers University. Attending the informational session really solidified my interest in industry as a career path. I was very eager to attend ASHP Midyear the following month.