The Ghana Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (GPSA) organised a three-day online skills fair event aimed at equipping student pharmacists with both hard and soft skills crucial for their professional growth. Held during the first semester break on Google Meet, the fair focused on key areas including public speaking, CV writing, and data analytics.
The event, which ran from May 6th to May 9th, 2024 , attracted an average of 48 participants daily, with each session lasting about two hours per day. It is worth noting that the Association’s Editorial Committee and Trade & Technology Committee (TRATECH) made a commendable effort to implement this capacity building program, a manifestation of the 360 Pharmacist Policy championed by the Antwi-Eduah-led campaign in 2023.
Participants benefited from practical sessions led by experienced facilitators who tailored their content to the specific needs of pharmacy professionals.
On the first day, Mr. Desmond Addo, head of the GPSA Debate Society, led a session on public speaking. He stressed the importance of communication skills in pharmacy, particularly in patient counseling, public health campaigns, and interdisciplinary teamwork. He provided participants with key techniques for delivering impactful speeches, covering critical elements such as content, coherence, creativity, and delivery.
Day 2, which focused on CV writing, was facilitated by Dr. Raymond Nsafoah, a former Editor-in-Chief. This session was particularly insightful, as many participants reported writing their first CVs under his guidance. Dr. Nsafoah emphasized the importance of crafting a CV that not only lists qualifications but also tells a story about the individual’s strengths and suitability for specific roles.
The final day featured a session on data analytics in pharmacy, led by Mr. Kingsman Kushieme, a marketing manager and data analyst at Easyness Ghana. He demonstrated how data analytics can be applied to pharmacy practice, from improving operational efficiency to making informed decisions in clinical settings. This session helped participants appreciate the growing role of data in healthcare and pharmacy.
The GPSA Skills Fair is a testament to GPSA-KNUST’s dedication to preparing its members for the dynamic and evolving landscape of healthcare. By offering practical skill-building opportunities, the Association continues to invest in the professional development of future pharmacists.
Plans are already underway for future initiatives that will provide students with more opportunities to enhance their skill sets, ensuring that they remain competitive and adaptable in their careers.
Reported by:
Yaa Otchere Tiwaah (Rx 27)