In Conversation with an Alumna, Sona Shaju, Pharm.D Graduate from East Point College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru

In this conversation, Sona Shaju, a Pharm.D graduate and alumna of East Point College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, shares her experiences and insights about studying at the college with Careers360.

She talks about higher education options, campus, faculty, academic environment, research project, internship, workshops, clubs, cultural activities, sports, and more. To know more details about EPCP Bengaluru, read the article below.

Careers360: Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about the programme you pursued at East Point Group of Institutions?

Sona Shaju: My name is Sona Shaju, and I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) graduate from East Point College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru. The Pharm.D programme provided me with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, patient care, and evidence-based healthcare. Through clinical postings, case discussions, and research activities, I developed practical skills in medication management, patient counselling, and clinical decision-making. Currently, I work as a Clinical Data Analyst at Navya Care Network, Bengaluru, where I review and analyse oncology patient data to support evidence-based cancer care. I will soon be pursuing my Master's degree in Australia further to strengthen my expertise in healthcare and clinical research.

Careers360: When exploring higher education options, what drew you toward East Point Group of Institutions?

Sona Shaju: While exploring higher education options, I wanted an institution that offered both academic excellence and extensive clinical exposure. East Point Group of Institutions stood out because of its multidisciplinary healthcare campus, offering programmes in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Allied Health Sciences, supported by a 1,200-bedded East Point Multi-Speciality Medical College Hospital. The opportunity to learn in such an integrated healthcare environment, interact with experienced faculty, and gain hands-on clinical experience through hospital postings made it an ideal choice. The institution's strong emphasis on research, patient-centred learning, and professional development convinced me that East Point would provide the right platform to build a successful career in pharmacy.

Also See: EPCP Bengaluru Admission

Careers360: Looking back, what were your first impressions of the campus, faculty, and academic environment?

Sona Shaju: My first impression of East Point was extremely positive. The campus was well-maintained, vibrant, and equipped with modern classrooms, well-calibrated laboratories, and excellent learning facilities. The faculty members were approachable, knowledgeable, and always encouraged us to learn beyond textbooks. What impressed me most was the integration of classroom teaching with regular hospital postings, which made learning practical and clinically relevant. The academic environment encouraged critical thinking, teamwork, and continuous improvement. It created the perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and real-world healthcare experience, helping students grow both academically and professionally.

Careers360: How well did the curriculum prepare you for industry demands or higher studies?

Sona Shaju: The Pharm.D curriculum, designed according to PCI guidelines, prepared me exceptionally well for professional practice. Clinical postings from the second year onwards allowed me to apply classroom knowledge in real hospital settings and understand the role of a clinical pharmacist in patient care. Weekly case presentations, journal discussions, patient counselling, and ward rounds strengthened my clinical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving abilities. These practical experiences gave me the confidence to work in multidisciplinary healthcare teams and prepared me for my current role as a Clinical Data Analyst. The curriculum also inspired me to pursue higher studies and continuously enhance my professional knowledge.

Careers360: Did you participate in any research projects, internships, workshops, or certification programmes during your time at the institution?

Sona Shaju: Yes, I actively participated in several research projects, conferences, workshops, and professional development programmes. I attended the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress, scientific conferences, and departmental workshops conducted by experts from academia and industry. My research project focused on "Evaluation of Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Microorganisms with Antibiotic Escalation and De-escalation Practices in Respiratory Tract Infection." This study enhanced my understanding of antimicrobial stewardship, rational antibiotic use, and evidence-based clinical practice. During my internship, I gained valuable experience in interpreting culture and sensitivity reports, clinical documentation, and multidisciplinary patient care, which strengthened my research and analytical skills.

Careers360: Were you involved in any clubs, cultural activities, sports, or student-led initiatives? How did those experiences help you grow?

Sona Shaju: Yes, I actively participated in student clubs and extracurricular activities during my time at East Point. I was a member of the Pharmacovigilance Club, where I gained practical exposure to adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting, medication safety, and pharmacovigilance practices. Since East Point Medical College Hospital functions as an Adverse Drug Monitoring Centre (AMC) under the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), I had the opportunity to understand the importance of drug safety monitoring in real clinical settings. Beyond academics, I also enjoyed participating in Samskruthi, the institution's national-level intercollegiate cultural festival, which enhanced my confidence, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills while creating unforgettable memories.

Careers360: How helpful was the institution's placement support in securing job opportunities?

Sona Shaju: The Placement Cell at East Point played an important role in preparing students for successful careers. It regularly organised placement drives, career guidance sessions, industry interactions, resume-building workshops, and interview preparation programmes. These initiatives helped us understand current industry expectations and explore diverse career opportunities in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organisations, and healthcare analytics. The guidance and encouragement provided by the faculty and placement team significantly boosted my confidence and contributed to securing my current role as a Clinical Data Analyst.

Also Read: EPCP Bengaluru Placement

Careers360: Were there any challenges you faced while transitioning from college to the professional world, and how did you overcome them?

Sona Shaju: The biggest challenge was adapting to the fast-paced professional environment and applying theoretical knowledge to real-world clinical situations. Initially, managing responsibilities, handling clinical data accurately, and making evidence-based decisions required continuous learning. I overcame these challenges by maintaining a positive attitude, seeking guidance from experienced mentors, improving my communication skills, and staying updated with current clinical practices. The strong clinical foundation and practical training I received at East Point made this transition much smoother and helped me build confidence in my professional role.

Careers360: If you could go back to your college days, is there anything you would do differently?

Sona Shaju: Looking back, my journey at East Point was enriching. If I could do anything differently, I would participate in even more international workshops, research collaborations, and professional networking opportunities. While I made the most of the academic curriculum and clinical training, I now realise that broader exposure through global conferences and advanced certifications would have further strengthened my professional profile. Nevertheless, the education, mentorship, and clinical experiences I received at East Point have provided a strong foundation for my career and higher studies.

Careers360: What advice would you give current students to make the most of their time at East Point?

Sona Shaju: My advice to current students is to make the most of every opportunity available at East Point. Focus on academics, but also actively participate in hospital postings, research projects, internships, workshops, conferences, student clubs, and cultural events. These experiences help build practical knowledge, confidence, leadership, and communication skills that are essential for a successful healthcare career. Stay curious, seek guidance from your faculty, develop strong professional relationships, and never stop learning. The knowledge, skills, and experiences you gain during your time at East Point will prepare you to excel both professionally and personally.

Disclaimer: This content was distributed by EPCP Bengaluru and has been published as part of the Careers360 marketing initiative.