Discovering Paths in Industry: My AMCP–Gilead Shadowing Experience
Image: Student pharmacists participating in the AMCP-Gilead Student Shadowing Program. Rabia Asjid is standing third from right in the second row.
In September, student pharmacist Rabia Asjid (Class of 2027) participated in the highly selective, two-day Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)-Gilead Pharmacy Student Shadowing Program, which took place at Gilead’s headquarters in Foster City, Calif.
What is the shadowing program all about?
The purpose of the AMCP-Gilead Pharmacy Student Program is to provide student pharmacists with meaningful exposure to the pharmaceutical industry and the roles pharmacists can play throughout the drug development process. The program introduces students to key functional areas, including clinical development, medical affairs, health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) and market access, while also providing opportunities to network with professionals and other students interested in industry-focused careers.
How were you selected for this opportunity?
Students are selected for this program based on an application, which asked us to describe our experiences and answer questions about our industry interests. Two students are chosen from each AMCP affiliate region (our region is the Mid-Atlantic AMCP affiliate). There are 10 affiliates, for a total of 20 students from around the country.
What types of activities did you participate in?
Throughout the program, I participated in sessions led by professionals across several functional areas. I learned from teams involved in clinical development, regulatory, HEOR, patient access, and medical affairs. One of the most memorable parts of the experience was touring a drug pilot manufacturing facility, which gave me a close look at how early-stage products are produced and evaluated.
What did you learn that sticks with you?
I learned how crucial cross-functional collaboration is in the pharmaceutical industry. Every team relies on the work of another, and effective communication can directly influence patient outcomes. I also gained a better understanding of how evidence is built, interpreted, and shared, from early trials through post-market data. Another major takeaway was the value of staying curious and being flexible. Many of the professionals encouraged us to remain open to different roles and to explore areas that genuinely interest us. These lessons will stay with me as I continue preparing for my Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences in the fourth year of pharmacy school and future industry opportunities.
Did anything surprise you about the experience?
I was surprised by how genuine and open the conversations were. I expected a very structured overview, but instead, the speakers shared honest stories about their career paths and the challenges of their roles. It also surprised me how many different academic and professional backgrounds can lead to careers in industry. This made the pathway feel much more approachable.
Would you recommend other students participate?
Absolutely. This was one of the most valuable experiences I have had in pharmacy school. It helped clarify my career interests, connected me with supportive mentors, and introduced me to parts of the industry that I did not fully understand before. I strongly encourage other students to participate if they have the chance.