King Abdulaziz University and AbbVie join forces to inspire over 100 students to join Saudi Arabia’s pharmaceutical sector

In partnership with AbbVie, a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, King Abdulaziz University has hosted an educational workshop to encourage more of its students into pharmaceutical careers after graduation.  The workshop offered unique insight into the scientific role of the pharmacist to over 100 male and female students from King Abdulaziz University. 

This was the first ever educational workshop to be hosted by King Abdulaziz University in partnership with a global pharmaceutical company. For their inaugural session, they selected AbbVie to represent the pharmaceutical industry and enrich the students’ experience and knowledge through a series of interactive scientific and career sessions. 

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Hani Asfour, Dean of the College of Pharmacy at King Abdulaziz University, said, “It was a rewarding experience to see our students participate in this workshop for the first time. With the support of AbbVie, our students were able to learn more about the promising careers which await them in the pharmaceutical sector. They are now extremely eager and excited about their future prospects. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them.” 

Ashraf Daoud, general manager of AbbVie in Saudi Arabia, said, “At AbbVie, we are proud to continue investing in the Saudi national pharmacists of tomorrow. Through our many partnerships with local universities, such as King Abdulaziz University, we are highly dedicated to support the Kingdom’s goals, as expressed in Vision 2030, and help our aspiring Saudi pharmacists in reaching their full potential.” 

To give the students a first-hand glimpse of what awaits them in their future careers, the workshop covered topics, such as an overview of the pharmaceutical industry landscape, the importance of the medical representative role, key marketing concepts in pharma, as well as tips and advice on how to prepare for interviews and CV writing tips. Students also had the opportunity to speak to the AbbVie in-field team of pharmacists who demonstrated to them their own real-life experiences and answered all of their career questions and queries.

Khaled Fageha, HR director of AbbVie in Saudi Arabia, concludes, “As a global pharmaceutical company, there is an ever-growing need to attract the brightest Saudi talent and increase the talent pool of pharmacists. There is so much potential in the Kingdom, which we are always striving to unlock at AbbVie. Through initiatives like this, we are able to equip students across Saudi Arabia with the tools and knowledge to help them thrive in the healthcare industry, as well as ignite their passion for a career in pharmacy.”

Student feedback:  

• “I’ve always been passionate about a role in pharmacy, but I was a bit unsure about what awaits after graduation. Thanks to this workshop, I was able to hear about the exciting prospects of working at a pharmaceutical company, such as AbbVie. I was able to ask all my questions, and now I am excited to continue working hard so I can begin my journey as a pharmacist.” – Sondos Alkhthlan

• “This was an engaging workshop which has cemented my interest in becoming a pharmacist after graduating from King Abdulaziz University. I now realize the important role pharmacists have in the local communities, and ensuring patients receive the treatment and care they need.”  – Nawaf Alharthi