Alumna Credits Program & Internship at Trent for Career Success as Pharmacist
Jennifer Sparks ‘07 says her Trent education was an experience in every way; not just a “just a piece of paper”
When Jennifer Sparks ’07 toured universities upon graduating from high school, it was important to her that she felt a sense of community.
“I didn't want to feel like part of a herd; I wanted to be able to make connections with fellow classmates, teaching assistants and professors…a personalized education,” says Ms. Sparks. “Trent was a smaller university, located in a smaller city, with smaller class sizes. I felt more comfortable and at home. And could you find a more beautiful campus?”
Ms. Sparks enrolled in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with Specialization in Health Sciences. While studying for her Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada entry to practice examination, she interned at Mather and Bell Pharmacy in Peterborough. Since being licensed, she has become a staff pharmacist there.
“My program at Trent gave me the lab skills to be able to successfully enter a professional program and be comfortable in their lab environments,” explains Ms. Sparks. “The biochemistry program gave me a lot of transferable skills in the lab as well as in scientific writing, problem solving and communication. My opportunity to do an internship in health sciences (at the Partners in Pregnancy Clinic) gave me the opportunity to communicate and work alongside a variety of different professionals and helped shape what career path I wanted to pursue.”
Vowing to be “Champlain until I die,” Ms .Sparks says her college life experience resulted in her “fondest memories” of her time at Trent.
“The college system at Trent provides opportunities to network and get to know people outside of your program, outside of your dorm and outside of your usual social circle,” she says. “Trent provides the opportunity to learn and grow both academically and personally. It provides you the opportunity to make your education an experience, not just a piece of paper.”