‘Work in pharma sector only if it is your passion’

Passing out of Apeejay Stya University with a diploma in DPharma was not enough for this alumna. She wanted to know more and study ahead and hone her skills a little bit more. Meet Rinku Biswas who is today pursuing her Bachelor’s in Pharmacy.

“It was sheer chance that I ended up studying at Apeejay Stya University (ASU). I am from Delhi and after passing out of class XII in Science (medical), I wanted to pursue a career in pharmacy. I wanted to study at a government institute but as luck would have, I didn’t get through. So, I was looking at private institutes. That is when ASU contacted me,” Biswas recalled and said that her campus days at this institute were the best.

Excerpts from an interview.

How were your campus days?

I enrolled in the programme in 2018; it was a two-year diploma course. But then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and in the final year, the classes shifted online. But the first year, on campus, was so much fun. I enjoyed my time.

How was the faculty?

I would say that they were excellent. The professors who taught us were so good. They made the lectures so interactive. The learning curve was so interesting. I enjoyed every bit of the classes as well as campus life. My mentor, Manoj sir, was the best. Then there was Ameesha ma’am. I don’t think she is a faculty there now. While I no longer speak with them, once in a while, we exchange a text or two via social media.

---

I would say that they were excellent. The professors who taught us were so good. They made the lectures so interactive. The learning curve was so interesting. I enjoyed every bit of the classes as well as campus life

–Rinku Biswas, Alumna of Apeejay Stya University

---

Why did you choose to do a course in pharmacy?

Even though I took Science (medical) I was very clear that preparing for the NEET exam was not my cup of tea. I had decided in class XI only that being a doctor was not for me. I was well aware of my limitations and was certain that clearing this exam was not possible for me. But I wanted to do something in medicine.

What are your plans?

For now, I am concentrating on completing my Bachelor’s at The Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR). Then I want to do an internship. Yes, I do intend to also pursue my master’s. But this will take time. At present, I am a bit confused about where I want to go – research or work in retail. I will have to do some research on both since both excite me.

What would you recommend students pursue – a diploma or a Bachelor’s?

Every person’s circumstances are different. Some want a diploma so that they can quickly start working and help the family financially. For others, a Bachelor’s degree is more important since they want to study further. The good thing is that now there is an Exit Exam after a diploma programme. This adds value and credibility to DPharma.

What are the skills required to work in this sector?

The most important is that one must have a passion to work in this sector. I know a lot of students, in my batch, who are doing this programme half-heartedly; they wanted to become doctors but couldn’t clear the NEET exam. So, now they are doing BPharma because they are being forced. I would advise such people to take a drop year and sit for the exam again and give it the best. If you work hard, everything is within reach.

Would you recommend students opt for DPharma?

Definitely. It is an excellent course that is being taught by some of the best faculty at ASU.