SOME careers begin with a straight line, while others are built through detours, doubts, bold pivots and unexpected returns.
In the latest episode of Your Pharmacy Career podcast, pharmacy student Ellen Bolger-Rowe shared a journey with host Krysti-Lee Patterson that was far from linear.
Starting out as a junior pharmacy assistant in regional NSW during high school, Bolger-Rowe enrolled in a pharmacy degree, only to discover it was not what she wanted.
However, after a detour via performing arts studies and Highland dancing on international stages, Bolger-Rower returned to pharmacy with a renewed sense of purpose and a passion for rural pharmacy.
This time around, she threw herself into the profession, becoming involved in student leadership, joining the Student Representative Council, and later taking on a leadership role with the National Australian Pharmacy Students' Association (NAPSA).
Throughout the reflection on her journey and lessons learnt, Bolger-Rowe returns to a few ideas again and again: listen to yourself, do not be afraid of changing direction, and trust that a non-linear path can still lead exactly where you need to go.
The discussion explored the realities of winding career paths, the value of persistence, and the importance of finding where you fit within the profession - listen to it HERE.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 19 Mar 26
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 19 Mar 26
