From Textbooks to Tablets: My Real-Life Experience in the Pharma Industry

Ever wondered how drugs are made, tested, and approved? My internship gave me a front-row seat.

Apr 25, 2025

I started internship chronicles on my Instagram story where I take them on my daily experiences of my Internship. Here are snippets of my experience and lessons I have picked so far:

This is my final semester in Pharmacy school and I look forward to finishing the undergraduate phase. School dun tire me

Backstory- My pharmacy journey began in the university of Lagos in 2018. I was “given” chemistry(Nigerians understand this so well) for one and a half semester then I moved to Ukraine to start again studying my choice course. War broke out in 2022. I was to graduate in 2023. I decided to transfer and moved to Cyprus in 2023. There were hurdles but that is not the focus of today’s letter.

I have interest in the industrial aspect of pharmacy. I have realized that a lot of people have misconceptions about the Pharmacy profession. Quite a number of people think it is all about selling/dispensing drugs but pharmacy is broader than that.

What comes to mind when you hear “pharmacy”?

🏭Industrial Pharmacy

This is where science meets manufacturing. Industrial pharmacists work in the pharmaceutical industry, where they’re involved in researching, developing, producing, and ensuring the quality of medications. Ever wondered how a simple tablet is created and made safe for millions of people? That’s their world. They help turn scientific discoveries into real, effective treatments you find on shelves.

In short: They make the meds, test the meds, and ensure they’re safe and effective—before they ever reach the pharmacy.

🏪Community Pharmacy

This is the one you're probably most familiar with—the local pharmacist you see at your corner store or retail pharmacy. But it’s more than just handing over pills. Community pharmacists are frontline healthcare providers. They give health advice, offer vaccinations, manage minor ailments, and help people understand how to take their meds properly. They’re often the most accessible healthcare professionals in many communities.

In short: They’re the everyday health heroes keeping you and your family safe, informed, and supported.

🏥Hospital Pharmacy

Hospital pharmacists work inside hospitals, where the stakes are higher and the medications are more complex. They work closely with doctors and nurses to make sure each patient gets the right drug, in the right dose, at the right time. They also prepare intravenous (IV) drugs, monitor drug interactions, and manage medication therapies for seriously ill patients.

In short: They’re behind the scenes in hospitals, making sure every medication given is accurate, safe, and tailored to the patient.

👩‍⚕️Clinical Pharmacy

Think of clinical pharmacists as the medication experts on your healthcare team. They often work directly with patients and doctors, especially in hospitals and clinics, to design personalized medication plans. They assess how well a drug is working, monitor for side effects, and adjust treatments as needed. Their goal? Better outcomes and safer care.

In short: They don’t just dispense medicine—they optimize it.

💼 My Internship Experience at Swiss Pharmaceuticals Nig. Ltd.

For the past two months, I’ve been interning at Swiss Pharmaceuticals Nig. Ltd., and let me tell you—it’s been such a rewarding experience. This is my very first time working in a corporate organization, and honestly, all those toxic workplace stories you see in movies or hear about? I can’t relate.

It’s not perfect (what workplace is?), but it’s a calm, supportive environment. What stands out the most is how open and willing everyone is to guide you—as long as you show genuine interest in learning. That alone has made a huge difference in my growth.

🌐 Departments I’ve Explored

During my time here, I’ve rotated through three major departments: Production, Quality, and Regulatory.

🏭 Production

Here, I got to witness firsthand how medications are manufactured—from raw materials to finished products. It's one thing to learn it in school, but seeing the process live brings a whole new level of understanding.

🔍 Quality Control/Assurance

Think of these professionals as the quality police. They make sure every single activity in production meets strict standards in line with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). It's all about precision and responsibility. They also test the drugs for quality.

“Quality Assurance is like the police of the pharmaceutical industry—ensuring everything aligns with Good Manufacturing Practices.”

📑 Regulatory Affairs

This team ensures that the company stays compliant with the rules and regulations of NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control). It’s more administrative, but incredibly vital for the company’s legal and ethical standing.

🔑 How to Maximize Your Internship Opportunities

Whether you’re just starting your internship or preparing for one, here are a few tips based on what’s worked for me:

1. Be Willing to Learn

Ask questions! Speak to your supervisors and colleagues about their career journeys. Ask what advice they’d give to someone like you, what they wish they knew earlier, and what they’d do differently. People love to share wisdom—if you’re curious, they’ll be glad to teach.

2. Be Diligent

No task is too small. Whatever you’re asked to do, give it your all. Show up consistently, take corrections with grace, and speak up when something isn’t clear.

“No task is too small when you treat it as an opportunity to show excellence.”

Leave behind the kind of impression that says, “I’m capable, reliable, and eager to grow.”

3. Build Relationships

Get to know your colleagues beyond “hello” and “good morning.” Start meaningful conversations. These connections could end up opening doors in your future career. People remember those who take interest in others.

4. Learn Soft Skills

This internship has taught me more than just technical skills. I’ve learned to:

Communicate clearly
Collaborate as a team
Pay attention to detail
Adapt to new environments
Handle challenges with calm
Stay professional—even under pressure

🌱 Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the ways I’ve tried to make the most of this opportunity. I hope my experience encourages you to see internships as more than just a school requirement—but as a launchpad into the real world of work.

“Internships are more than a school requirement—they're a launchpad into the real world of work.”

And here’s a little bonus: interns at Swiss Pharmaceuticals also get free lunch and a reasonable stipend—a thoughtful gesture that shows appreciation and makes the workday even more rewarding. It’s not just about the learning; it’s also about feeling valued.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you had a similar experience? Or maybe you're about to start your internship journey? Let’s talk! 💬

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