This post hits hard but speaks the truth many of us feel. PharmD sounded like a golden ticket, but reality is different low pay, limited roles, and tough competition. Colleges rarely guide us toward real-world options like regulatory affairs or medical writing. We’re left to figure it out ourselves.
Right, Many PharmD graduates face a harsh reality despite the six-year training, opportunities like becoming a Drug Inspector can suddenly vanish, as seen recently with MPSC denying eligibility despite government recognition. Even hospital and clinical roles remain scarce, pushing many into underwhelming or unrelated jobs despite their clinical training.
Totally agree, most of us feel PharmD colleges don’t prep us for the actual job market. But instead of just waiting for the system to change, one thing students can do is start figuring out their career direction early.
Easiest way?
Go with the subjects you vibe with – love pharmacology/ADRs? PV could be your thing.
Play to your strengths – good at writing/communication? Medical writing or MSL; more analytical/detail-oriented? Regulatory or Clinical Research.
On top of that, try exploring while you’re still in college:
Take a few short online courses (Coursera, Udemy, Swayam portal).
Network on LinkedIn and through opportunities around you, see what people in different roles actually do.
If possible, grab mini internships for some real-world taste.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have a clearer idea of where you fit in, rather than struggling later. And if you’re still unsure, just keep gaining all the skills you can, and you might be surprised how often the right field ends up choosing you! The degree opens the door, but the extra skills and early choices are what get you through it.