The line started forming well before the doors opened. By mid-morning, the room was already buzzing—students moving quickly between stands, tote bags filling up, conversations unfolding in every corner. For many, it was their first real glimpse into the pharmacy profession beyond the lecture theatre. For those on the other side of the table, it was something just as valuable: a clear view of the future workforce taking shape.
Across three major university events—SUPA’s SUPAC 2026 in Sydney, QPSA’s Industry Awareness Day at UQ, and GUAPS’ Pharmacy Careers Expo at Griffith University—Raven’s Recruitment had the opportunity to connect with hundreds of pharmacy students at different stages of their journey. What emerged was a consistent and encouraging picture: a cohort that is curious, engaged, and increasingly proactive about their career direction.
A Strong Turnout Signals Growing Engagement
At SUPAC 2026, the scale of the event stood out immediately. Compared to previous years, there was a noticeable increase in both exhibitor presence and student attendance. Importantly, the audience wasn’t limited to a single university cohort.
Students attended from multiple institutions, including the University of Sydney, Western Sydney University, University of NSW, the University of Newcastle, and Charles Sturt University. This broader representation reflects the growing interconnectedness of pharmacy education across Australia and highlights how major events are becoming central meeting points for students nationwide.
Another notable shift was the presence of Year 5 Master of Pharmacy students. With the expansion of some pharmacy programs from four to five years, there is now a more diverse mix of experience levels attending these events. This creates richer conversations—not just about future possibilities, but also about immediate next steps.
Early Career Curiosity Is Starting Earlier
One of the most encouraging trends across all three events was how early students are beginning to think about their careers.
At the GUAPS Pharmacy Careers Expo, there was strong engagement not only from final-year students, but also from those in their first and second years. These students were already asking questions about career pathways across community pharmacy, hospital roles, and the pharmaceutical industry.
This early curiosity represents a meaningful shift. Rather than waiting until internship year to explore options, students are beginning to map out their career possibilities much earlier. This allows for more informed decisions about placements, electives, and skill development over the course of their degree.
Career Conversations: Internships, Industry and Beyond
Across SUPA, QPSA and GUAPS events, certain themes consistently emerged in student conversations.
1. Internships Remain Front of Mind
Many students are still focused on securing internships, with hospital pharmacy continuing to be a highly sought-after pathway. However, there was also a noticeable openness to exploring community pharmacy roles, particularly when students had the opportunity to better understand the scope and flexibility these roles can offer.
2. Growing Interest in Industry Roles
An emerging trend was the increase in students asking about careers in the broader pharmacy industry. This includes roles in pharmaceutical companies, regulatory affairs, and non-traditional career paths. While still a smaller proportion, the level of curiosity suggests growing awareness of the diversity within the profession.
3. A Desire for Practical Guidance
At QPSA’s Industry Awareness Day, many students actively sought help with resumes and job readiness. Some brought CVs for review on the day, while others asked fundamental questions about how to approach their first job search.
Interestingly, there were also students who had not yet developed a resume at all—highlighting a gap in early career preparedness. This presents a clear opportunity for the profession to provide more structured support in helping students transition from study to work.
The Role of Events in Bridging the Gap
University-led events like those hosted by SUPA, QPSA and GUAPS play a critical role in connecting students with the realities of the profession.
They offer:
Direct access to employers and industry representatives
Exposure to a wide range of career pathways
Opportunities to ask questions in an informal, supportive environment
Early networking experiences that can shape future opportunities
At UQ’s event in particular, the organisation and student engagement stood out. The NAPSA branch team at QPSA facilitated a smooth and highly effective day, creating an environment where meaningful conversations could take place at scale.
These events are not just about information—they are about confidence-building. For many students, a single conversation can clarify direction, challenge assumptions, or spark interest in a path they hadn’t previously considered.
The Power—and Limits—of Giveaways
It wouldn’t be a university event without the energy around giveaways. At SUPAC, some stands distributed hundreds of gift bags within the first hour, with several running out of stock well before midday.
While this enthusiasm adds to the atmosphere, it also highlights a practical challenge: how to ensure meaningful engagement goes beyond the initial interaction.
The real value of these events lies in the conversations that follow—the discussions about career goals, the questions about pathways, and the connections that extend beyond the day itself. Ensuring students leave with not just merchandise, but also useful resources and direction, is key to maximising impact.
A Clear Opportunity: Supporting Career Readiness
One of the strongest insights across all three events is the need for more structured early-career support.
Students are clearly motivated, but not always equipped with the tools they need to take the next step. Areas where support is particularly valuable include:
Understanding how to build a professional resume
Knowing when and how to apply for roles
Gaining clarity on different career pathways
Building confidence in professional communication
At Raven’s Recruitment, supporting pharmacists at every stage of their career journey includes helping students navigate these early decisions—whether that’s exploring internship opportunities, understanding the job market, or preparing for their first role.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Pharmacy
If these events are any indication, the future of pharmacy in Australia is in capable hands.
Students are showing:
A willingness to engage early
A genuine curiosity about their options
An openness to exploring diverse career paths
A strong motivation to connect with the profession
The challenge—and opportunity—for the industry is to meet this energy with the right guidance, resources, and support.
As the profession continues to evolve, so too must the way it engages with its future workforce. Events like SUPAC, QPSA Industry Awareness Day, and the GUAPS Careers Expo are an important part of that evolution—creating spaces where students can begin to see what’s possible.
Conclusion
From packed exhibition halls to thoughtful one-on-one conversations, these recent university events highlight a generation of pharmacy students who are eager to learn, connect, and plan their futures.
The question now is not whether students are interested in their career pathways—it’s how the profession can best support them in navigating those pathways with confidence and clarity.
How will you contribute to shaping the next generation of pharmacists in your own practice or organisation?
