Group photo of approximately 18 adults wearing conference lanyards, arranged in two rows inside a modern indoor meeting space. The individuals are dressed in business-casual attire and stand or kneel in front of a light-colored wall with partial signage visible, including University of Waterloo branding and a sign that reads “Quiet Please Meeting in Progress.” Lighting is bright and even, and the image appears to document a professional gathering or workshop.
Monday, April 13, 2026

Speed Networking Night 2026 brings together students and alumni

The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy hosted its third Speed Networking Night to bring together our third-year class and pharmacy alumni for invaluable mentorship, career advising and real-world insights. For new alumni, making connections and finding mentorship when starting their careers can be challenging and intimidating to navigate. This opportunity supports students as they approach their career journeys to build a strong professional network and opens doors to future success they may not have considered.

A total of 137 participants attended, 21 alumni, of which one attended virtually, and 115 PharmD students. Students engaged in conversation with pharmacists in small groups to learn about their career journey’s and how to navigate the pharmacy profession.

This networking event helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice, in addition to their co-op work terms. Pharmacy students get a chance to gain firsthand knowledge from a diverse range of industry professionals and particularly program alumni who were recently students themselves.

“Attending the event as a recent alum made the experience especially meaningful. I’m still close enough to my transition out of pharmacy school to remember the uncertainty, questions, and excitement that comes with it - so it was enriching to be on the other side of the conversation this time, sharing what I’ve learned so far,” says alum Lynn DSouza, Rx2023.

“What stood out most was the value of having alumni from different graduating years and such diverse career paths. Having taken a non-traditional path myself, it was a great opportunity to highlight just how many directions pharmacy can take you in - it truly opens so many doors, with countless paths to explore. It was also energizing to hear the students’ thoughtful questions and perspectives. I left feeling inspired and reminded of how dynamic and supportive the Waterloo Pharmacy community continues to be,” she adds.

Small group of adults seated in a semicircle inside a laboratory or teaching lab, participating in a discussion. One person gestures while speaking near a central lab bench with cabinets, equipment, and supplies, while others sit on stools along the walls, wearing casual clothing and lanyards under bright indoor lighting.
Small group of adults seated around rectangular tables arranged in a U-shape in a classroom or meeting room. One person at the far side of the tables appears to be speaking and gesturing, while others sit and listen. The room has light-colored walls, a whiteboard mounted at the front, and simple chairs. Personal items such as notebooks and jackets are visible, and the space is evenly lit, suggesting a discussion-based meeting or workshop.
Small group of adults seated around a rectangular white table in a plain meeting room, engaged in conversation. One person speaks with hands clasped while others sit along the table edges, facing toward the speaker. Personal items such as notebooks, phones, a reusable cup, and outerwear are visible on and around the table. The room has light-colored walls, simple chairs, and even overhead lighting, suggesting an informal discussion or small-group meeting.
Medium-sized classroom with rows of rectangular tables facing a seated speaker at the front of the room. Several adults sit at the tables, oriented toward the speaker, who is seated on a stool near a podium with a computer monitor. The room features neutral-colored walls, overhead lighting, an exposed ceiling with ducts, a wall clock, and windows along one side. Personal items, including a reusable drink can on the floor, are visible, suggesting a lecture, talk, or facilitated discussion.
Medium-sized classroom with rows of rectangular tables facing a seated speaker at the front of the room. Several adults sit at the tables, oriented toward the speaker, who is seated on a stool near a podium with a computer monitor. The room features neutral-colored walls, overhead lighting, an exposed ceiling with ducts, a wall clock, and windows along one side. Personal items, including a reusable drink can on the floor, are visible, suggesting a lecture, talk, or facilitated discussion.
Small group of adults seated around a rectangular wooden meeting table in a conference room. One person speaks while gesturing, and others sit in rolling office chairs facing the speaker. A large wall-mounted display screen, glass walls, and a visible hallway or open workspace appear in the background. Personal items, including notebooks and a drink can, sit on the table, indicating a collaborative meeting or discussion setting.
Small group of adults seated around a large rectangular wooden table in a classroom or meeting room. One person seated at the far side of the table speaks while gesturing with both hands, while others sit in rolling office chairs facing inward. The room has light-colored walls, a ceiling-mounted projector, and windows with partially lowered blinds. Personal items such as jackets, notebooks, and a takeaway cup are visible, suggesting a facilitated discussion or small-group meeting.
Group of adults seated in armchairs arranged in a circle around a low rectangular coffee table in a lounge-style meeting area. One participant gestures while speaking as others sit facing inward, participating in the discussion. The space has large windows with partially lowered blinds, letting in daylight and revealing nearby buildings outside. Coats, bags, notebooks, a water bottle, and takeaway coffee cups rest on chairs and the table, suggesting an informal group discussion or facilitated conversation i
Small group of adults seated around a rectangular wooden conference table in a meeting room. Participants sit in office chairs facing inward, engaged in a discussion, with one person speaking near the far end of the table. Items such as notebooks, reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and a small box are placed on the table. The room features light-colored walls, a large wall‑mounted display screen, and bright overhead lighting, indicating a collaborative meeting or discussion setting.
Large conference room with a long rectangular table and rolling office chairs. One adult sits slightly apart at one end of the table, while a small group of adults sit along the opposite side, all oriented toward one another during a discussion. Laptops, cables, a reusable water bottle, and a small box rest on the tabletop. The room features glass walls with floral designs, large windows showing an urban skyline, a ceiling‑mounted projector, and bright overhead lighting, suggesting a formal meeting, intervi

This event supports the PHARM391 leadership development seminar course that focuses on incorporating into the curriculum a wide range of pharmacist perspectives and exposing students to diverse viewpoints and experiences. Students learn new strategies, best practices and innovative ideas to enhance their leadership skills.

Thank you all who participated to help foster student growth.