CLASS OF 2024: Zainab on course for a career in Pharmacy

Zainab Sheikh, 22 from Nottingham, is on course for a career in teaching after graduating from the University of Wolverhampton with a Master’s degree in Pharmacy.

She is currently working as a Foundation Trainee Pharmacist at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire.

She said: “If you had told me four years ago that I would earn a Master's in Pharmacy, I would have been shocked. I've always wanted to help people, but back then, I knew very little about Pharmacy courses. However, after studying first-year chemistry, I started feeling a genuine sense of joy and excitement. I loved diving into research on clinical trials, medications, and their mechanisms of action.

“Returning to campus after the lockdowns for my second year was a big step. Living alone away from home wasn't easy, but the University staff and my peers made me feel supported every step of the way. I became more comfortable speaking to people and learned valuable skills like managing my workload and building strong relationships with my lecturers. During that year, I began offering free tutoring to fellow Pharmacy students through my study-related Instagram account. Creating my own practice questions and mini revision guides not only helped others but also reinforced my own learning.

“By my third and fourth years, I had grown in confidence, actively participating in classes and forming strong friendships. I got involved with the Wolverhampton Islamic Society and even took a trip to Swansea University with the BPSA to learn about Parkinson’s. A voluntary placement with the West Midlands Yellow Card Scheme marked a significant turning point, transforming me from a quiet individual into a happier, more confident person.

“My goal has always been to help as many people as possible—a mission I aim to continue during my training year and hopefully as a future pharmacist or maybe even as a teacher.”

Graduates are encouraged to keep in touch with the Alumni team and take advantage of a range of benefits and support on offer to them including a discount for Postgraduate study and opportunities to benefit from volunteering and career advice.     

Find out more about School of Pharmacy courses on the website or visit one of our Open Days for more information about studying at the University.    

To find out more about graduate success, check out the Every Story Has a Start web page which showcases our exceptional alumni across the globe doing incredible things. High achievers from the worlds of literature, business, sport, film and the arts feature, sharing how their lives and careers have developed since their days studying with us.