Student Voices: Networking with Alumni

First-year students share their reflections and takeaways from their annual networking event with alumni

Story by Sarah Clark | Photos by Danny Alexander | Published February 11, 2025

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy kicked off February with the annual networking event for first-year PharmD students (PY1s). The event brought together over 60 students to meet, network with, and learn from 17 alumni representing a broad range of careers. Carolina Pharmacy asked PY1s who attended to share their thoughts on the PY1 Student/Alumni Networking experience.

Kiara Simmons
Attending the pharmacy networking event was an eye-opening experience that reinforced the importance of connection within the profession. Engaging with pharmacists from various backgrounds – clinical, industry, community, and research – showed me just how diverse the field truly is. One key piece of advice that stood out was to remain open to unexpected opportunities, as many professionals shared stories of how their careers took unexpected but rewarding turns. Another takeaway was the emphasis on building meaningful professional relationships early, as many pharmacists attributed their career advancements to mentorship and strategic networking. The event served as a reminder that networking is not just about career advancement but also about gaining perspective, learning from others, and contributing to a supportive professional community.

Hailey DeFreese
The PY1 Student/Alumni Networking Event was an incredible experience that exceeded my expectations. As a first-year student and one of the Student Senate Alumni Ambassadors, I never imagined I would have such a meaningful experience so early in my time at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Not only was I able to meet and connect with alumni, but I also had the unique opportunity to help plan the event with the Alumni Ambassador Co-Chairs for the entire PY1 class, which was an exciting and rewarding challenge. What truly stood out to me during the event was hearing from the alumni about their career paths. I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Jon Ptachcinski and Dr. Mariana Lucena, who started their careers as clinical pharmacists and later transitioned into industry pharmacy. Their stories were incredibly impactful and reassuring, especially hearing how happy and successful they are and that we are not confined to one specific path. Their experiences were inspiring, and it was comforting to know that the journey I take doesn’t have to be linear. As a PY1, it is scary not knowing what career path is meant for me, but the alumni helped me see that I will be successful no matter where I end up, as long as I stay curious and dedicated to learning. Meeting these alumni has reinforced my decision to attend the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and I feel confident that this school will provide me with the support and opportunities needed to advance my career over the next four years.

Sadie Sharkey
Attending the student/alumni networking event was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the vast career opportunities available with a PharmD. I learned from multiple alumni how flexible the profession of pharmacy is, allowing for transitions between clinical, industry, research, and entrepreneurial roles over time. Hearing from alumni reinforced the importance of lifelong learning, as the field is constantly evolving, and career paths are rarely linear. It was reassuring to realize that I don’t need to have everything figured out right now; instead, the key is to gain diverse experiences, stay open to opportunities, and get my foot in the door to build a strong foundation for my future in pharmacy. This event provided the perfect opportunity to start that process by making meaningful connections with professionals who were once in our shoes, offering guidance and insight that will help shape my career path.

Samantha Van Voorhis
The networking event was a great opportunity to connect with professionals from various fields within the pharmaceutical industry. I spoke with a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) at Incyte, an Oncology MSL at Johnson & Johnson, a Senior Medical Writer at AbbVie, and others, which gave me a clearer picture of the diverse career paths available to pharmacy graduates. I was surprised by how distinct each role is, even within similar sectors. My favorite piece of advice came from the Senior Clinical Pharmacist at Blue Cross NC, who emphasized the importance of building strong relationships in healthcare to open up new opportunities.

Ruhbani Jarral
The PY1 networking event gave me a better perspective on the many career paths within pharmacy, including some I had not previously considered, such as working in a specialty group purchasing organization. I found it fascinating to learn how these organizations negotiate contracts and help healthcare providers access specialty medications at reduced prices. Moreover, interacting with alumni working in the industry further highlighted the impact pharmacists can have on the business and operational side of healthcare. My favorite piece of advice was the importance of staying open to new opportunities and exploring nontraditional roles, as they can lead to fulfilling careers that still contribute to patient outcomes.

If you’re an alum interested in engaging with current students, check out our Alumni Volunteer Opportunities page or reach out to us at paa@unc.edu. We are always grateful to our alumni who offer their time, talents, and expertise to enhance the experience for current pharmacy students!