CSU Launch Professional Development Program for Pharmacy Students in partnership with Astellas

Chicago, IL (July 01, 2024) - Chicago State University’s (CSU) College of Health Sciences and Pharmacy are collaborating with Astellas to create ‘The Bridge to Industry’ Astellas Professional Development Program to provide an innovative professional development program for Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students, offering exposure to the pharmaceutical industry. The ceremonial signing of the agreement took place Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Astellas Northbrook headquarters.

“At Chicago State, we are excited to partner with Astellas. This career pathway will enhance the intellectual and professional development of our students, better preparing them for PharmD careers in the workforce, community, and healthcare systems,” said Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, JD, President of CSU. “To fully support equity and inclusion in health education, it is critical for institutions and industry partners to support students to achieve their educational and professional goals.”

“There has never been a more exciting time to be working in the pharma sector as we are truly at the forefront of accelerating innovation to solve some of the world’s greatest healthcare challenges. But to get there, we need to prepare the next generation of talent,” said David Fryrear, Executive Vice President and Head of Quality Assurance at Astellas. “This  collaboration will support and fulfill the needs of CSU students who seek greater insight and knowledge about opportunities in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.”

CSU’s College of Health Sciences and Pharmacy and Astellas' Bridge to Industry partnership will provide students with the following opportunities:

• Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) rotation program
• Seminar on “Careers in Industry”
• Mentoring Intensive
• Student ambassador program
• Mock interviews
• Resume development and reviews
• Seminar series on professional development
• Support with professional societies

The goal of this partnership is to support career pathways for students by:

• Providing industry exposure to CSU PharmD students
• Establishing a mentoring pipeline between industry professionals and CSU PharmD students
• Offering career and professional development opportunities for CSU PharmD students

Chicago State University, founded in 1867, is the oldest public university in the Chicago Metropolitan area. The University’s four colleges offer nearly 60 undergraduate and graduate degree-granting and non-degree programs. CSU is committed to equity in education, serving as the only U.S. Department of Education-designated four-year Predominantly Black Institution in Illinois and ranked by a Harvard economist in the top 4% of public and private universities nationwide in supporting our graduates’ economic mobility. The University serves as a prominent civic space on the greater South Side of Chicago by hosting a multitude of athletic, educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The University is located near public transit that provides convenient access to the campus. For more information, visit here.

Astellas is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries worldwide, with U.S. headquarters based in Northbrook, Illinois. The Astellas Quality Assurance division sponsors the Astellas Professional Development Program at CSU-COHSP.