Introduction

The recently launched Inspire Mentorship Program at the College of Pharmacy is already making waves among graduate students as they prepare to venture into the challenging world of employment.

“We engage in this initiative because we genuinely want to see each other thrive,” shared Nitesh Sanghai, a PhD student serving as the program coordinator. “Completing a program can sometimes feel like standing on the edge of a cliff, and that’s where mentorship becomes crucial.”

Program Goals

Since its inception in 2024, the program has aimed to provide both encouragement and guidance to pharmacy graduate students, paving the way for their transition into the professional realm by learning from experienced mentors.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Harsha Blumer

On September 9, the program proudly hosted Dr. Harsha Blumer, a trailblazer in research and analytics at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP), who shared an inspiring account of her unconventional path during a recent session.

“Some people grow up uncertain about their career paths,” Dr. Blumer reflected. “But for me, it was clear from a young age: I wanted to become an astrophysicist.”

Educational Journey

Hailing from Kerala, India, Dr. Blumer pursued her PhD in astrophysics at the University of Manitoba, later taking on a postdoctoral fellowship at West Virginia University, where she utilized the Green Bank Telescope for high-energy astrophysics research. “That was my dream—to delve into astrophysics,” she remarked passionately while recounting her unique journey.

Personal Challenges

Despite her dedication to astrophysics, her academic path was intertwined with personal milestones. Married and a mother, Blumer faced the dual challenge of academia and parenting. While she pursued her aspirations in the United States, her husband remained in Canada, leading to poignant moments. “I heard my child say ‘Mommy’ for the first time over FaceTime,” she recalled, emotionally recalling that decision point when she realized it was time to bring her family together.

Professional Struggles

Career struggles were inevitable, with Blumer recalling numerous rejections during her job search: “I was often met with skepticism—‘You’re an astrophysicist? What does that have to do with anything?’”

Eventually, she found her footing at the University of Manitoba as a research facilitator and later transitioned to her current role at MCHP just five months ago. “I’m adept with data and team management,” she said. “Now, I’m able to apply my skills to public health—a realm where they can make a real difference.”

Key Takeaways for Graduate Students

Dr. Blumer emphasized a crucial lesson for students: “You might encounter positions that appear detached from your area of study, but remember, the skills you acquire during your PhD are immensely transferable.”

Throughout her presentation, the room was filled with engaged graduate students, nodding in agreement. Burak Berk, a master’s student, highlighted a key theme, “Life will not always follow a straightforward path; resilience is vital.”

Another student, Floriane Houenagnon, found immense value in Blumer's career stories. “Hearing about her journey as the associate director at MCHP piqued my curiosity about strategic career-building and the insightful lessons she learned along the way.”

Conclusion

As her talk concluded, Blumer encouraged every student present to embrace the unpredictable nature of their career paths. “Taking risks is essential,” she asserted. “If you don’t take that leap, you’ll miss out on possibilities.” The Inspire Mentorship Program continues to solidify its impact on graduate students, proving that with the right guidance and mindset, the journey through academia to career can be navigated with confidence and perseverance.