The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy hosted its second Speed Networking Night to bring together our third-year class and pharmacy alumni for invaluable mentorship, career advising and real-world insights. Making connections and finding mentorship when starting their careers can be challenging and intimidating to navigate for new alumni. This opportunity supports students as they approach their career journeys to build connections and relationships that enhance learning and inspire leadership development.
A total of 135 participants attended, 21 alumni, of which five attended virtually, guest pharmacist Aniko Ramanathan from Niagara Health in St. Catherines and teaching assistant and lecturer at the School and 119 students.
“It’s a win-win for both alumni and students. Alumni benefit by staying connected with the School and offer invaluable advice that contributes to the growth of future pharmacists. These interactions build a strong professional network for students and open doors to future success they may not have considered,” says Kaitlin Bynkoski, director of admissions & undergraduate affairs.
Students engaged in conversation with pharmacists in small groups to learn about their career journey’s and how to navigate the pharmacy profession.
“Having graduated so long ago, I had forgotten that the world is your oyster when you’re in school – that the opportunities are endless and that you have everything you need to make the profession what you want it to be. This was my first time attending the Speed Networking Night as a pharmacist alum, and it was so much fun!” Faiza Ahmad says, Waterloo Pharmacy Rx2011 alum. “It was so uplifting to see the student’s interest, attentiveness and inquisitive questions. I left the event rejuvenated and motivated, having remembered what it was like to have been a student all those years ago. I hope to be invited to attend again next year.”
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.
“The opportunity to network with current pharmacists and peers helps students build confidence in their abilities to work towards their early career goals,” says Bynkoski. “It encourages them to step out of their comfort zone and take on leadership roles no matter their practice setting, position or title.”
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.