Networking is one of the most important yet often overlooked parts of a pharmacy student’s journey. It’s more than collecting contacts; it’s about building genuine relationships that can help you learn, grow, and discover new opportunities. From getting involved in research to joining student organizations, volunteering in your community, connecting with professionals during APPE rotations, or meeting peers and mentors at national conferences, each experience contributes to your personal and professional development. The connections you make today can shape the kind of pharmacist you become tomorrow. In this blog, several students share how networking has played a role in their pharmacy paths and offer practical ways you can start building your own network, no matter where you are in your journey.
Research is one of the most valuable ways to grow during pharmacy school because it teaches you how to think critically, evaluate literature, and apply evidence to clinical decision-making. Learning how to interpret studies and guidelines strengthens your understanding of pharmacotherapy and prepares you to make informed, patient-centered recommendations in practice. Beyond the academic benefits, research is also a powerful way to network and build meaningful professional relationships. Many professors, residents, and pharmacists appreciate students who show initiative and are often willing to mentor or guide you toward opportunities. At the University of Houston, we host a research panel to help students connect with faculty and learn about ongoing projects, but you don’t need to wait for an event to get started. Simply reaching out by email, introducing yourself, and expressing genuine interest in learning can go a long way. Even if a professor’s project is full, they can often point you in the right direction or connect you with another faculty member. The key is to take that first step and ask, the more you put yourself out there, the more doors you open for growth, collaboration, and lasting connections in your pharmacy career.
On top of research, a big part of involvement within your pharmacy career begins during your time in pharmacy school. There are a multitude of national organizations and student-led chapters of these organizations that can be daunting to approach initially, but once you cross the initial jitters, it’s actually pretty easy to get involved! What I’ve found in my personal experience is that many clubs and organizations will begin to post on social media around the beginning of the semester/quarter. For example, at my school at Northeastern, we hold a yearly event called “RxPO” that is mainly reserved for younger students to explore the different pharmacy clubs all at one place. On the other hand, it can be easy to reach out to these organizations via email, social media direct messages, or even through word of mouth from your classmates! My advice would be to keep track of dates and times for general meetings, attend these events with your classmates or friends, and introduce yourself. Putting one foot in the door can lead to a multitude of possibilities, and it’ll introduce you to a greater network of connections that might end up helping you out in the future!
Volunteering throughout pharmacy school is a powerful avenue for growth that extends well beyond service as it becomes a cornerstone for networking, professional development, and personal enrichment. By engaging in volunteer opportunities, pharmacy students can naturally build relationships with pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who may later become mentors, collaborators, or future colleagues, while also gaining exposure to diverse career paths and strengthening residency or job applications. These experiences enable students to practice leadership, communication, and adaptability in dynamic, real-world settings, while demonstrating initiative and a commitment to patient care, qualities that are highly valued in our profession. At the same time, volunteering cultivates empathy, resilience, and a sense of purpose that supports personal well-being and growth. A specific organization that is near and dear to my heart is the Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP). CAMP exemplifies the meaning of selfless volunteerism by offering pharmacy students a unique chance to work alongside pharmacists, physicians, nurses, therapists, and other professionals in a collaborative environment dedicated to serving children and adults with special needs. Through this interprofessional teamwork, students not only expand their professional network but also develop lifelong connections and invaluable skills that enrich both their careers and personal lives, reinforcing the importance of volunteering as an essential component of a well-rounded pharmacy education.
Networking is everywhere we are, whether it’s in the classroom, at organization meetings, or even casual conversations with classmates. The closer you get to real practice, the more you start to realize how those everyday interactions can turn into meaningful professional connections. As I move into my later years of pharmacy school and start my Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), I’ve realized how important it is to maintain continuity with the people who’ve supported me along the way, whether that’s mentors, professors, or even classmates I might not see every day anymore. Staying in touch doesn’t have to be formal; sometimes it’s just checking in, sending an update, or asking for advice. Those relationships continue to shape how I think about my career and the kind of pharmacist I want to be. This was also when I started to see the value of networking beyond campus such as getting involved nationally and seeking out pharmacists in the practice area I’m interested in which has opened doors to conversations and insights I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. If you’re a fourth year, take advantage of your rotation sites as every pharmacist you meet is a potential connection and source of learning. And if you’re not a fourth year yet, don’t be afraid to reach out to pharmacists to shadow or chat about their work. Most people are more than happy to share their experiences, and those small conversations can really help you figure out your goals and passion in pharmacy.
Conferences are often overwhelming with different challenges for everyone such as funds, making conversation, and navigating the whole event. If you’re anything like me, you have no idea what to expect during your first pharmacy conference, and that’s ok! I would recommend starting small with a local pharmacist organization, oftentimes they do not charge students registration or it is fairly inexpensive. With local conferences, there’s a chance you already know some people or organizations at the conference and even better, it’s not too hard to convince your classmates to attend with you. One tip when staying local, this is a great way to meet pharmacists in your area that could be your preceptor one day on rotations. These conferences are a great way to start building your network and resume on a smaller, more inexpensive scale.
National conferences, like Midyear, can be a larger investment, and are much larger than local meetings. Networking within your class and school is a great way to find others who are interested in going to conferences and sharing costs. Having a group of friends at a conference can make traveling safer and ease your nerves when navigating the meeting. Larger meetings may seem too hectic to truly establish a network, but pharmacy is a small world and connections you make could lead you to residency or a job in the future.
Networking is a continuous process that evolves throughout pharmacy school and beyond. Whether it begins with joining a research project, getting involved in student organizations, volunteering in the community, connecting with preceptors during rotations, or meeting professionals at national conferences, every interaction helps you grow both personally and professionally. The key is to stay open, curious, and proactive: because you never know which conversation, mentorship, or shared experience might shape your next opportunity. Building meaningful relationships early on not only strengthens your confidence but also lays the foundation for a lifelong network that will support you throughout your pharmacy career.
Written by: Brianna Phan-Tran, Matilda Galgan, Amy Chun, Lateefat Lawal, Kayla Haase