​​Exploring Student Perspectives on the Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Application and Recruitment Process: A Mixed Methods Study​ 
Austin Lyons, PharmD

Ingrid Findlay PharmD

Amy Heck Sheehan, PharmD

Objectives: Our objective was to examine the perceptions and experiences of pharmacy students who recently completed the fellowship application process with the aim of determing how facult and colleges of pharmacy can better prepare students to obtain postgraduate pharmaceutical industry fellowships.

Methods: Pharmacy student members of the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) who are in their final year of study participated in 2025-2026/2027 recruitment for a postgraduate pharmaceutical industry fellowship program were recruited via email. A multi-item survey instrument using a Qualtrics was be used to collect student demographics, and their perceptions regarding postgraduate fellowship preparation, application submission, interview process, and final offer decisions. 

At the end of the survey instrument, participants were asked if they are willing/able to participate in a focus group and were directed to a separate link not connected to the survey to provide their email address. This information was  obtained solely for the purpose of scheduling focus group interviews. Investigators then contacted approximately 12 to 16 students to conduct two 1-hour follow-up focus group interviews (6 to 8 students each) using a semi-structured interview guide to gather more in-depth insights to the survey responses. Participants selected for the interviews will receive a standardized response email to schedule an interview time. Interviews will be conducted virtually using Microsoft Teams.

Results: 
~ Survery data has been collected and analysis of results are in-progress. Additionally, focus group interview scheduling is in-progress~