How I Broke Into a Non-Traditional Pharmacy Role (And How You Can Too)

By TaMar, Hicks, Scientific Manager Pharmacist

Have you ever wondered how people actually land non-traditional roles in pharmacy?

It’s one thing to hear about careers in medical communications, industry, or remote positions; it’s another thing to understand how to break into them. For me, the journey into a remote role in medical and scientific communications has been both rewarding and dynamic, allowing me to use my pharmacy background in a unique way while building a lifestyle that aligns with my personal priorities.

But I want to be transparent... getting here didn’t happen overnight.

The Reality: It Took Time

It took me about 8 months of consistent effort, patience, and intentional networking to land my current role. There were moments of uncertainty, times when I questioned if I was doing enough, and periods when it felt like things weren’t moving. It was not easy, but looking back, every step was building toward the opportunity I eventually received.

How I Actually Used LinkedIn

One of the biggest tools I leveraged during this process was LinkedIn, but not in the way most people expect!

I wasn’t focused on posting content or trying to go viral. Instead, I used LinkedIn as a networking tool in its truest form. I reached out to professionals already in the roles I was interested in and started conversations.

This looked like:

• Sending thoughtful, personalized cold messages

• Asking to set up quick Zoom calls to learn about their career paths

• Coming prepared with meaningful and specific questions

During those conversations, I focused on being both professional and personable. I wasn’t asking for a job; I was asking for insight! That approach made all the difference.

The Power of Real Conversations

Those one-on-one conversations became one of the most valuable parts of my journey. Not only did they give me a clearer understanding of the field, but they also helped me refine how I spoke about my own experiences during interviews.

Over time, these connections turned into guidance, referrals, and opportunities I wouldn’t have found on my own.

Why Networking Still Matters (A Lot)

Beyond LinkedIn, I made it a priority to attend conferences and networking events whenever possible. Being in those spaces allowed me to meet professionals face-to-face, build stronger connections, and expand my network organically.

Those interactions opened doors (some immediately, others later on), and all of them played a role in getting me to where I am today. I was able to find relevant hiring recruiters' information, get job referrals, and learn about requisitions before they were even posted.

What You Should Take Away

If there’s one thing I want to emphasize, it’s this: breaking into a non-traditional pharmacy role is absolutely possible.

But it requires:

• Intentionality

• Consistency

• Patience

There’s no shortcut, but there is a path.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a non-traditional route, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Start conversations. Ask questions. Be curious. You never know which connection might change your trajectory. 😌