Vajihe Mohammad Reza

PGCC College Fair Reflection

Attending the PGCC College Fair was a valuable experience because I had the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from different colleges and learn more about transfer options, majors, and career opportunities. Since I am currently studying General Studies at PGCC and planning to transfer to a four-year university, the fair helped me better understand what I should focus on during my time at PGCC.

One of the most helpful conversations I had was with a representative who advised me about pursuing Public Health Science as a potential major. I learned that Public Health Science can include important science courses such as biology and chemistry, which could also support my long-term interest in pharmacy. We also discussed the importance of completing the appropriate prerequisite courses and meeting with academic advisors to make sure I am taking the correct classes for my transfer goals.

I also learned more about pharmacy school and the fact that a bachelor's degree does not necessarily have to be in a specific subject such as biology in order to apply to pharmacy school. What matters is completing the required prerequisite courses. This was especially helpful because I am interested in becoming a pharmacist and currently have experience working in a pharmacy. The representative encouraged me to continue gaining pharmacy-related experience because it can strengthen my future applications and help me understand the profession better.

Another important part of the conversation was learning how to improve my résumé. I was advised not only to list my education and work experience but also to explain the specific skills and knowledge I gain from my classes, pharmacy work, volunteering, and other activities. This helped me realize that experiences are more meaningful when I can explain what I learned from them and how they relate to my future goals.

I also spoke with representatives from universities, including Johns Hopkins, and learned about transfer credit evaluation, financial aid, research opportunities, and the application process. I was especially interested in learning about opportunities related to pharmaceutical research, drug development, medicine, and public health. These conversations helped me see how my current courses and experiences at PGCC can contribute to my future education.

Overall, the PGCC College Fair helped me become more informed about my transfer and career options. I left the fair with a better understanding of the courses I should take, the importance of gaining relevant experience, and the different opportunities available at four-year universities. Most importantly, the fair encouraged me to be more intentional about planning my education and building experiences that connect with my interest in public health and pharmacy.

I attended the virtual Owl Navigate meeting and learned how to use the career platform to find jobs, internships, and

career resources.