Career preparation in pharmacy extends beyond coursework and licensure, particularly as graduates pursue an expanding range of professional roles. Chijioke Emeka, PharmD, a 2024 graduate of the PCOM School of Pharmacy, works in one of those roles at Eli Lilly, where she is part of the clinical development organization.
On January 28, 2026, Emeka returned to PCOM to lead the opening session of the School of Pharmacy’s seven-week career development series. Her presentation, Networking 101: The Hidden Curriculum of Career Capital, marked the start of a comprehensive program designed to prepare Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students for the school’s upcoming career fair on March 11.
Emeka currently supports clinical development initiatives while also contributing to early-career clinical talent programs at Eli Lilly. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Washington State University before completing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at PCOM.
During her time as a student, Emeka held several leadership roles, including serving as president of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association. She received the Outstanding Student Leader Award in 2023 and the PCOM President’s Leadership and Diversity Award in 2024.
Her presentation focused on career planning before graduation, with an emphasis on professional networking, mentorship and engagement across different pharmacy practice settings. Drawing from experience in hospital, retail, and pharmaceutical industry environments, Emeka discussed how early exposure to professional relationships and career resources can influence long-term opportunities.
"You don't start building career capital after graduation, you're either building it now or leaving opportunities on the table that someone else will take," she explained.
Students across all professional years attended the session. Content was structured to be relevant to students at different stages of training, including those preparing for the upcoming career fair and those beginning to explore potential career paths.
The career development series continues through early March and includes sessions on résumé development, interviewing, professional communication, and career planning. The series is intended to complement the academic curriculum by providing students with practical information and exposure to a range of pharmacy careers.
"Every type of pharmacist is essential to healthcare,” Emeka said. “It's important for students to take their career journey into their own hands and discover the path that's right for them."
© 2026 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
