Julie Cogley-Pifko, assistant director of admissions and enrollment management for pharmacy programs, shares her advice for students considering Manchester’s programs.

“What is your role at Manchester?”

“I serve as the assistant director of admissions and enrollment management for pharmacy programs. This means that I attend recruitment events and help prospective students through the admissions process for the Fort Wayne campus programs− Doctor of Pharmacy, Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics, and Dual Degree, which combines both. I also have the opportunity to work with current undergraduate students through the Pre-Pharmacy Club at the North Manchester campus and current graduate and professional students through the Student Ambassadors Club.”

“What advice would you give to students considering pharmacy school?”

“Shadow, shadow, shadow! There are so many more areas within the pharmacy profession than most people realize. There are hospitals, long-term care facilities, doctor offices, independent pharmacies, industry, community pharmacies and more! I encourage students to take advantage of as many shadowing experiences as possible. My other piece of advice is for students to volunteer! Service is a big component of the University’s mission and also the mission of the Pharmacy Program.”

“What is your favorite part of your job?”

“I can’t pick only one favorite part of my job. During graduate school, I wasn’t sure what area within higher education I wanted to work in. At Manchester University, I am able to do all of the things I love the most −traveling, event planning and working with current students. It’s all my favorite part of my job!” 

“What is your favorite Manchester moment?”

“My favorite Manchester moment would be anytime I have the opportunity to event plan. In November, we had a multi-institution health professions night at the Fort Wayne campus. In April, we collaborated with area high schools to have a Spring Health Careers Fair hosted at Career Academy, with about 300 in attendance. The goal of both events was for students to learn about the various careers within health care, and it’s great being able to watch young people become excited about the future of healthcare.”

“What is a fun, interesting fact about yourself?”

“I’m a big Pittsburgh Penguin fan and I actually camped outside their arena all night to get hockey tickets! My brother and some of our friends drove down at midnight and set up camp chairs to get student rush tickets for the game the following day. We totally didn’t need to go down that early but it sure makes for a fun story, and we had a great time!”