Focus: developing academic habits, managing time, and finding balance.

• Understand expectations early: exam formats, grading, professionalism

  • Tip: Use upperclassmen as your go-to resource—they’ve been exactly where you are and can offer real, practical advice.

• Test different study strategies (active recall, spaced repetition, group study)

  • 5 Ways to Improve Study Habits in Pharmacy School: (Find Focus, Be Intentional, Make it Your Own, Apply the Info, Teach the Topic to Someone)

• Use tutoring, office hours, and student resources

• Practice simple wellness strategies (box breathing, study breaks, boundaries)

  • Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Try Box Breathing 

• Learn your signs of burnout — and intervene early

  • Burnout: Signs, causes, and how to recover

  • Burnout: Symptoms, Treatment, and Tips on How to Deal

  • Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Recognizing Burnout and Simple Tips to Start Feeling Better

• Build healthy work–life balance routines

  • 12 Tips to Avoid Academic Burnout

• Use AI ethically and thoughtfully as a learning support (not a shortcut)

“Trust, but verify.” - Ronald Reagan

Focus: building your professional identity without pressure.

• Join 1–2 student organizations that genuinely interest you

  • Consider attending multiple org meetings to find a good fit for you!

    • Student Organizations | College of Pharmacy - The University of Iowa

  • Knowing When to Say Yes—and When to Say No

    • Boundaries: When to Say Yes and How To Say No

• Attend events even if you’re not a member — this is okay

• Explore leadership in small steps (committee work, project help)

• Build your LinkedIn page and connect with Genesis Board members.

  • Advisory Boards | College of Pharmacy - The University of Iowa

  • Identify early mentors and practice being a proactive mentee

    • Roadmap To Finding a Mentor 

• Learn email etiquette and dress code considerations

• Attend a local conference or professional meeting

  • University of Iowa Graduate & Professional Student Government Travel Grants

  • College of Pharmacy Student Travel Form

  • ACCP Travel Awards

  • Conference Guide: Why Go and How to Make the Most of It

    • Why You Should Attend a Pharmacy Conference 

    • The Conference Experience: Making It Yours 

• Should I start or continue working? 

  • Explore pharmacy jobs, summer roles, and internship timelines

  • Developing Career Guidance

  • IPA  Internship Opportunities

  • Sign In | Handshake - UI Job Resource

  • Industry Internships (e.g. LinkedIn)

    • https://www.industrypharmacist.org/resources-sitedocs/industry-internship-guide.pdf

    • https://www.amcp.org/resource-center/managed-care-internships

Focus: Exposure, not decisions.

• Shadow pharmacists, volunteer, or work part-time if it fits your schedule. Try experiences simply to learn what you don’t like — that’s progress

  • What does a day in your role look like? What do you like about your role? What are some challenging parts of your role?

• Explore broad career areas (community, hospital, industry, ambulatory, etc.)

  • Career Option Profiles

  • ADVANCE® 

• Read about both traditional and nontraditional pharmacy careers

  • Career pathways for pharmacists

  • Nontraditional Career Opportunities for Pharmacists