From Introvert to Extrovert: My Transformation into a Global Professional

I graduated with a degree in Pharmacy from India between 2002 and 2006, but like many students, I didn’t have a clear roadmap for my future. Until my final year, I was absorbed in the world of academics, blissfully unaware of the questions that would soon weigh on my mind:

• What should I do after graduation?
• How does the pharmaceutical industry really work?
• What career options are available for someone like me?
• Who can I turn to for guidance?

I had no significant industry connections, no established professional network to speak of, and very little access to the internet, which limited my exposure to global opportunities. Growing up as the youngest and most pampered child in a small town, I was comfortable in my own bubble—happy with my academic achievements, but entirely unaware of the challenges waiting outside.

The turning point came in my final year of college when I felt the weight of uncertainty bearing down on me. I realized I knew very little about the world beyond my textbooks, and the answers I sought weren’t readily available. I felt disappointed in myself for not thinking about my future sooner. How was I supposed to figure out a path forward?

I turned to the only people I thought could help—my seniors, who had secured admissions for their M. Pharm and moved on to postgraduate studies. Their advice, however, didn’t inspire much confidence. They spoke of the lack of infrastructure and limited access to resources in Indian institutions, even in M. Pharm programs. Many encouraged me to go abroad, but that path felt too daunting and expensive. My family’s financial situation wasn’t conducive to funding an overseas education.

But despite my doubts, something clicked during those conversations. I realized that if I wanted to succeed, I needed to step out of my comfort zone. I started researching—everything from which country to pursue my education, to visa requirements, to funding options. I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a master’s degree abroad which actually turned out to be very cost-effective solution.

A New Beginning

After months of research and through support of my friends, I chose the University of Greenwich in the UK to pursue my Master’s in Formulation Science. It was a decision that would change my life forever. The process was not easy. I had to navigate everything on my own—from preparing for the IELTS exam to figuring out how to apply for a passport, to apply different universities, to booking my first-ever international flight.

When I arrived in London, I faced the reality of being on my own for the first time. My English wasn’t that great, and adjusting to life in a foreign country was a huge challenge. But I knew I couldn’t let my family down—they had already sacrificed so much for me. I took up part-time jobs at Domino’s and then a local Fish & Chips shop to cover my living expenses, determined not to ask for more financial support from home.

It was here, working side by side with locals, that I began to truly understand the value of independence. Unlike in India, where many students rely on their families, in the UK, everyone seemed to be funding their own education. It was eye-opening. For the first time, I realized how empowering it is to be self-dependent. The “earn while you learn” mindset wasn’t just about finances—it was about growing as a person.

Breaking Out of My Shell

Those two years abroad changed me profoundly. I went from being an introverted, sheltered student to an extroverted, confident professional. The part-time jobs that I did were sources of opportunities to interact with people, improve my communication skills, and understand cultural differences. The work wasn’t glamorous, but it pushed me to open up and face the world.

Academically, the infrastructure at the University of Greenwich was everything I had dreamed of. We had access to state-of-the-art labs, scientific journals like ScienceDirect, PubMed, books and a wealth of resources that made research not only possible but exciting. It was a far cry from the struggles my seniors in India had described. I finally understood how innovation happens when academia and industry collaborate effectively.

By the time I completed my degree, I was no longer the same person. I had a newfound confidence, a deeper understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, and a global perspective that continues to shape my career today. I returned to India with a clear vision of where I wanted to go and the determination to get there.

Giving Back: The Importance of Mentorship

Looking back, I realize that one of the biggest challenges I faced was the lack of guidance. I spent years trying to find answers that could have been provided through mentorship. When I was invited to speak at a reputed pharmacy institute recently, I was saddened to see that many students today still struggle with the same questions I had back in the early 2000s. Despite the growth of the pharmaceutical industry over the years, there is still a disconnect between academia and the real-world needs of the industry.

This realization sparked something in me. I knew I had to give back, to help guide these bright young minds in a way that I had not been guided. Over the past few months, I’ve made it a priority to mentor students and offer the support that was missing during my time. The gratitude I receive from students is immense—they were simply waiting for someone to show them the way.

There’s no shortage of talent in our academic institutions, but there is a shortage of mentorship. And that’s something we can all change. If every professional took the time to mentor just one or two students, we could bridge this gap to some extent and help the next generation of leaders rise.

The Call to Action

To all my colleagues and peers in the industry—let’s step up. Visit the colleges you graduated from, engage with students, and offer them the guidance they’re so desperately looking for. We can’t change the entire system overnight, but we can change the lives of individuals by sharing our knowledge and experiences.

I’ve already started this journey by mentoring two students last week. Will you join me? Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation of pharma professionals and ensure that India continues to thrive as the “Pharmacy of the World.”