MCW Pharmacy Students Launch Industry Pharmacists Organization Chapter, Student Completes National Internship

In 2025, the MCW School of Pharmacy established a student chapter of the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) to explore career opportunities, network and obtain resources for applying to post-graduate fellowship positions.

Founding president of MCW’s IPhO chapter, Zinzi Sitshebo, 2027 PharmD candidate, says she proud to see so much interest in the group.

“What surprised me most was how many students were genuinely curious about industry careers,” said Sitshebo. “That growing interest became my motivation to ensure that the MCW IPhO student chapter truly bridged the gap between the classroom learning and impactful careers.”

Chapter member Kori Kruegel, 2027 PharmD candidate, is the first MCW student to complete a national internship with IPhO. The Virtual Flex-Time Internship program is a weekly commitment of about 5 to 10 hours, allowing students to gain real-world experience. Interns work virtually with pharmaceutical industry leaders and fellows nationwide.

Kruegel’s position was focused on IPhO’s Fellowship Central website, a resource for students applying for post-graduate pharmaceutical industry fellowships. She worked with a team to locate fellowship program brochures and webinar opportunities. This often involved combing through LinkedIn posts from pharmaceutical companies and fellows. The team compiled and published this information to the Fellowship Central website, making it easier for students to find it all in one place.

Kruegel helped promote the Fellowship Central website via LinkedIn posts and comments, notifying peers that this tool is available to them. She also monitored the website for student-submitted questions and assisted with directing them to the right resources.

“I wanted to immerse myself in the world of industry and learn as much as I could about pursuing that career path,” said Kruegel. “It was cool working with a preceptor and team of fellows who all worked for various companies. I could ask them questions about the fellowship application process and their path.”

Kruegel was a CNA for several years, starting at age 18. During her undergraduate years, she planned to become a physician assistant. However, she was graduating shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic and was feeling drained from intense patient care experiences.

While working in a clinical lab position at Mayo Clinic, she learned she would need a master’s degree to be promoted. So, Kruegel earned her master’s in cellular and molecular biology from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and, in the process, discovered that she enjoyed research. Her advisor recommended that she consider pursuing a PharmD and a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Kruegel is the director of professional programming for MCW’s IPhO chapter. She connects with industry professionals and invites them to be guest speakers.

“Being in the Midwest, there are not as many immediate pharmaceutical industry resources for MCW students, so we try to bring in speakers from across the country,” said Kruegel. “The IPhO chapter is a great resource for students to make connections and learn about the career opportunities they may have never known existed.”

Starting in June 2026, Kruegel will begin her role as National Student Internship Director, where she will interview, place and oversee all interns in the IPhO internship program.

Related to MCW’s chapter, one of the most rewarding moments, said founding president Sitshebo, was when a first-year pharmacy student thanked her for starting the organization. The student told her, “I always imagined myself at the intersection of research and patient care, but it felt abstract. Now, thanks to IPhO, I have discovered so many options that capture all my interests.”

“I have never been prouder to serve my community in a way that demystifies the pathway to a dream career for myself and for the PharmD colleagues who will follow,” added Sitshebo.