Connecting Aspiring Pharmacists and Companies through Simulated Interviews

Transitioning from a university lecture hall to a corporate environment is a road filled with challenges that youth must navigate. Young aspiring pharmacists in North Macedonia took a step forward on this journey with support from the USAID Youth Actively Create Opportunities Activity.

In an innovative approach, students had an opportunity to engage directly with the private sector, stepping into the “hot seat” for simulated interviews with representatives from nine of the country’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

“We had an opportunity to practice how to present ourselves during interviews,” says Bojan Georgiev, a student at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Skopje.

“It definitely opened up the horizons for us, the students, and provided guidance for after we graduate,” adds Margarita Taneva, a student at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Skopje.

This initiative not only provided a unique opportunity for the young participants to present themselves in a professional setting but also allowed companies to scout for emerging talent.

Mihail Minov, a representative from the company Eurofarm stated, “We came to visit the students. So, the nervousness that recent graduates feel when they come to our company for an interview vanishes in this case.”

The event was more than just a meet-and-greet; it was a crucial step towards initiating future cooperation between students and the private sector, laying the groundwork for successful careers post-graduation. It underscored the importance of practical experience and industry exposure for students, highlighting the vital role of such initiatives in preparing the next generation of pharmacists for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

By equipping students with the skills crucial for professional success, the USAID Youth Actively Create Opportunities Activity aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by collaborating with youth, universities, and companies to establish partnerships for better economic opportunities.

Watch a video from the event: Students in the “hot seat” with pharmaceutical companies.

The event was organized by the Career Center and the Student Assembly of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Skopje, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje as part of the USAID Youth Actively Create Opportunities Activity, which is implemented by IESC in partnership with the Youth Educational Forum and CEED Hub Skopje.

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