For students exploring their career paths, hands-on learning experiences can be invaluable. The University of Windsor’s Job Shadow Program provides students with the opportunity to connect with experienced professionals, offering a first-hand look at their chosen fields.

One such experience brought together Dorothy Leung (BScn 2008), a pharmacist and associate owner of Shoppers Drug Mart, and Emma Lim, a Bachelor of Science student and aspiring health-care professional eager to gain deeper insight into the industry.

Leung, who holds an MBA in addition to her pharmacy credentials, not only provided Lim with insight into the profession, but also showcased the unique balance between being a health-care provider and a business owner. As president of the University of Windsor Alumni Association Board of Directors, Leung is committed to giving back to her alma mater, and one of the ways she does so is by hosting students through experiential learning opportunities like the Job Shadow Program.

Having worked as a pharmacy assistant before, Lim was familiar with the daily responsibilities of a pharmacist. However, shadowing Leung opened her eyes to the duties of running a pharmacy while managing a business.

“I was given the opportunity to look around the store to see how Dorothy runs everything while still being accessible for questions,” Lim says. “She showed me her office, prescription dashboards, and provided a lot of insight into the job of being a pharmacist that I do not think I would have gotten anywhere else.”

Their discussions went beyond pharmacy operations. Leung provided academic insights, discussed decision-making in leadership, and shared advice on what it takes to succeed as both a pharmacist and a business owner.

“Dorothy’s words about decision making and what it takes to be a leader for your team really resonated with me,” says Lim. “She helped me decide on my ‘why’ for pharmacy school interviews. After walking through it with her and hearing about her experience, it made me realize why I want to pursue this profession in the first place.”

For Leung, participating in the Job Shadow Program was a meaningful way to give back to the university that helped shape her career. Her journey began as a student in the Faculty of Nursing, where she developed a strong foundation in health care. Now, as a mentor, she hopes to inspire future health-care professionals and provide them with guidance that goes beyond textbooks.

“As a proud alumna, I wanted to give back to the University community by offering students a chance to gain real-world insight into their career paths,” Leung explains. “Job shadowing allows them to see the day-to-day realities of the profession, ask questions, and gain practical knowledge that goes beyond the classroom. It’s also rewarding for me to connect with future health-care professionals, share my experience from the perspective of a practitioner and a manager, and hopefully inspire them as they take on their future careers.”

Lim’s experience is a testament to the power of mentorship and the impact alumni can have when they invest in the next generation. Leung’s willingness to open her doors and share her expertise helped Lim refine her career aspirations and gain a newfound appreciation for the role of pharmacists in the community.

“Dorothy gave me a better idea of the scope of what pharmacists can do in the community and influenced me to be more open to the idea of becoming a retail or community pharmacist,” Lim says. “She inspired me to possibly continue my education if I finish my PharmD to make me a more well-rounded health-care professional.”

Lim encourages other students to take advantage of job shadow opportunities, regardless of their prior experience, and to come prepared.

“My advice to future students is to come prepared with lots of questions,” she says. “Speaking to a health-care professional can be tough as they have very busy schedules, so it was an amazing opportunity that I am grateful to have experienced.”

Leung also hopes that more alumni will consider participating in mentorship programs.

“Mentorship is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “It allows us to reflect on our own journeys, stay connected with the next generation, and contribute to the future of our industry.”

Thanks to programs like the Career Centre’s Job Shadow Program and dedicated alumni like Leung, University of Windsor students continue to receive valuable hands-on learning experiences that shape their futures. Lim’s story is just one example of how mentorship can make a lasting impact, and she hopes that her experience will inspire others to explore similar opportunities.