By Suzanne Al-Rawi, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer’s Clinical Fellow, Hospital Pharmacy Modernisation Team, NHS England
I recently had a thought-provoking conversation which made me reflect deeply on what truly sets apart candidates who aspire to join the pharmacy profession. Many people focus solely on clinical knowledge, exam results and technical competence - all crucial of course - but is that all?
What really makes someone suited for a career in pharmacy is not just academic achievement, but the dedication, passion, versatility, and commitment to making a difference in the wider world.
Pharmacy: a profession without limits
What excites me most about pharmacy is its incredible scope. Pharmacy is not just about supplying medications to patients – it’s an incredibly dynamic, versatile career that offers a multitude of opportunities. You could find yourself working in clinical settings, examining patients and prescribing medications on wards and in clinics, diving into research, teaching, or shaping healthcare policy. There are pharmacists who’ve branched out into law and governance, sports medicine, digital health and business leadership.
Some pharmacists take time out to travel, work with charities, or help establish pharmacy services in under-resourced areas - using their skills to make a tangible difference on a global scale.
What makes pharmacy exciting is that it can evolve as you do. If one day you decide to try something completely new, there’s room for that too. But to take full advantage of this profession’s flexibility, you need more than technical expertise - you need drive, curiosity and a proactive approach to shaping your own journey.
What do admissions teams look for in prospective candidates?
It’s not just about grades or ability to handle clinical scenarios. Admissions tutors are trying to find out: who are you beyond your UCAS application?
- Have you demonstrated initiative and proactivity? Have you organised pharmacy-related work experience yourself? Did you explore other healthcare or science careers to make an informed, well-rounded decision?
- Do you understand the breadth of the pharmacy profession? Are you aware of the distinctions between pharmacy and pharmacology? Do you know the different pathways available with a pharmacy degree?
- Are you a well-rounded individual? Beyond pharmacy, what are your passions? Do you engage in charity work, sports, the arts, business ventures, or leadership roles in your community?
- Can you multitask, network, and collaborate with others? Healthcare is inherently multidisciplinary. Can you demonstrate you've worked across teams, with different stakeholders, or in challenging environments?
- Are you a leader in the making? Pharmacy needs future NHS leaders, innovators, and advocates. Have you been involved in organising or leading a group in or outside work or college, or led an event or sports team?
Building a future-ready workforce: What can you do?
There are many options available to pharmacy students, trainees and prospective undergraduates, to nurture their skills and recognise the career options on offer.
- Get exposure to a wide spectrum of pharmacy roles. Open days, career fairs, and outreach programmes should showcase hospital, community pharmacy and primary care, but also careers in technical services, research, regulatory roles, digital health, academia, and entrepreneurship.
- Spend time reflecting on work experience. It’s not just about ticking boxes. Take time to think critically about what you’ve learned, what surprised you, and how those experiences shaped your decision.
- Invest time in extracurricular involvement and leadership roles. Whether it’s charity fundraising, sports, creative arts, or student leadership roles, these experiences foster essential skills like teamwork, empathy, and adaptability.
- Take advantage of mentorship opportunities. If you’re a prospective student ask to pair up with current pharmacy undergraduates or professionals to get insights, foster connections and confidence.
- Foster a global and innovative mindset. Look at opportunities for international placements, policy internships, engage in public health projects, or participate in digital and coding workshops. The pharmacy workforce of tomorrow needs to be comfortable navigating complex systems, both locally and globally.
Pharmacy needs you - the whole you
Ultimately, pharmacy isn’t just a job - it’s a platform for growth, leadership, and making a real difference in healthcare through clinical expertise, innovation and influencing policy. If you’re considering this career, reflect not only on your academic strengths but also on your passions, your curiosity and drive, willingness to step outside of your comfort zone, and how you plan to contribute to the profession and wider society.
Academic tutors and the NHS are not just looking for pharmacists. They’re looking for future leaders, visionaries and change-makers.
So, get ready to bring your whole self to the table!
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