Two recent graduates share strategies for standing out in the competitive fellowship application process.
For many pharmacy students, the fellowship application process during their fourth year of school can be one of the most demanding and intimidating aspects of their early professional career. This challenge is universal, but it may be especially pronounced for students at institutions where curricula and career development resources are more heavily focused on residency training and/or community pharmacy pathways.
Erica Jermain, PharmD, RPh, is a first-year US Medical/Medical Science Liaison Fellow in the Rare Diseases space and a 2026 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy.
Regan Dennis, PharmD, MBA, is a second-year US Medical/Medical Science Liaison Fellow in the Rare Diseases space and a 2025 graduate of the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy.
Understanding how to approach the fellowship application process and prepare for interviews can make a meaningful difference in a candidate’s success. As 2 recent graduates who successfully secured fellowships, despite attending residency-focused programs, we would like to share practical insights and strategies that helped us prepare and stand out throughout the process.
Although the fellowship application cycle for most programs does not begin until late September or early October, meaningful preparation starts much earlier. Taking proactive steps before the application process opens can help candidates navigate it with greater confidence and preparedness.
One valuable resource available to prospective applicants is the variety of virtual webinars offered by fellowship programs in the months leading up to the application cycle. These sessions provide opportunities to learn about the unique features of different programs, explore various functional areas, receive guidance on developing a fellowship-focused curriculum vitae (CV) and letter of intent (LOI), network with current fellows, and gain general insights that can help applicants stand out.
Beyond attending webinars, students can take a more proactive approach by reaching out to current fellows on LinkedIn to request informational interviews before applications open. These one-on-one conversations provide an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into specific programs and teams while increasing familiarity with applicants' names and backgrounds before applications are reviewed.
Preparing application materials in advance is another important step in the fellowship process. Updating your CV and LOI before submitting these application materials provides an opportunity to seek constructive feedback from faculty or industry mentors and current fellows, helping to ensure that your materials are as strong and polished as possible. It is critical to format your CV and LOI according to industry standards, rather than the academic or residency-style formats you may be accustomed to.
When drafting an LOI, it is important to tailor it to the specific program to which you are applying. To do so, applicants should review company- and program-specific brochures, which are typically available online. These resources often provide valuable information on application timelines and requirements, functional areas, disease-state focus, program structure, the number of available positions, and the key responsibilities or projects fellows can expect to undertake. Reviewing this information not only helps applicants customize their application materials but also enables them to identify programs that best align with their professional interests, career goals, and desired fellowship experience.
Once programs of interest have been identified, it can be helpful to create an organized document—such as an Excel spreadsheet—that serves as a central resource throughout the application and interview process. This document may include information gathered from program brochures, details about the disease states or products supported by the team, insights into relevant pipeline products, and any other information that may be useful during interviews. Having these details readily accessible can help applicants stay organized and prepare more effectively for discussions with program representatives. In addition, some candidates have found it beneficial to write notes after each interview in this document to recall who the interviewers were, what questions were asked, and their general impressions.
As the application cycle progresses, interview invitations often follow quickly, making interview preparation a critical component of the process. An elevator pitch is a brief self-introduction, typically 30 to 60 seconds, that summarizes who you are and what sets you apart. Being able to express your experience, personality, and interests confidently is crucial since it creates a strong first impression that sets the tone for the entire interview, as it is often the very first thing you’re asked.
Additionally, 1 commonly recommended framework for answering behavioral interview questions is the Situation, Task, Action, and Result (STAR) method. Bonus points if you can tie the situational question back to how it would apply to the fellowship. This approach helps candidates structure their responses logically and concisely while providing sufficient detail to showcase their experiences and accomplishments. Practicing STAR-based responses with trusted mentors, professors, colleagues, or current fellows before interviews begin can help build confidence and improve performance during interviews.
Although the fellowship application process can be stressful regardless of how much preparation goes into it, taking proactive steps early and entering the interview cycle well prepared can help make the experience more manageable and position you for success.
Most importantly, trust the process. The journey may not always unfold as planned, but each experience contributes to your professional growth, and you will ultimately end up where you are meant to be. Be kind to yourself throughout the process, recognize the effort you are putting forth, and remember that doing your best is all anyone can ask of you.
