Pharmada 2024 united the industry and the pharmacists of the future

It's Thursday just after lunch. The queues of eager post-teens are dominating Uppsala University's Biomedical Center in a way most festival organizers can only dream of. The Pharmada, Sweden's largest labor market day for pharmacists, has begun and across the exhibition hall conversations are underway between industry representatives and a new generation of pharmaceutical experts. The pace is intense and the volume high.

“I will take my Pharmacist degree this summer and am at the Pharmada to overview the opportunities that await in the labor market and where my skills will come to best use. In the long term, a career as a researcher is at the top of my list, but first I want to try my luck in the industry and I just had a very good conversation with a representative of Pfizer,” says Julia Lidar, student at the Master of Science Programme in Pharmacy.

More than thirty companies, universities and organisations are on site to introduce themselves to potential employees. Colorful displays are mounted wall to wall and the front staff is working hard to capture the students' attention. They are armed with both popcorn machines, goodie bags and raffle wheels, but as soon as the conversations start, it's full focus from all parties.

“Pharmada offers the perfect opportunity to meet students from all phases of their education and to arouse their curiosity about the opportunities we offer. We answer questions about both summer jobs, degree projects, internships and future employment. I especially appreciate that so many students show interest in the work environment and long-term personal development,” says Marie Lidman, Pharmacy manager at Apotek Hjärtat.

A bit away from the crowded exhibition hall, Contact Talks are taking place, a sought-after opportunity for more private conversations between employer and student, which, in fruitful cases can generate a ticket straight into a new career. The pressure on places is high and in order to get one of the hot seats, the student must send in a CV and application to the company they wish to meet. Now the recruiters have made their choices and the schedule is long since filled.

“We have been preparing this day since October, and it is amazing to experience the students’ interest and the commitment of the companies. Today we are filling the hall to the limit with a mix that really offers something for everyone and shows the fantastic career opportunities that a pharmacy education provide,” says Aysha Siddika, Project manager for Pharmada 2024.

IN FACT

• Pharmada is the Pharmaceutical Student Union's annual labor market day, which is also Sweden's largest labor market day for pharmacists.
• The purpose of this day is to give Uppsala University’s pharmacy students the chance to make contacts with working life.
• In the days before the Pharmada, lunchtime lectures are organized where the companies inspire the students and give them an insight into what it is like to work at the company in question.

LEARN MORE

• Pharmada online
• Farmacevtiska Studentkåren

CONTACT

text: Magnus Alsne, photo: Mikael Wallerstedt