HDA’s Emerging Leaders Program Helps Up-and-Coming Professionals Grow Their Careers
The pharmaceutical distribution sector is full of exciting opportunities for young professionals, whose fresh perspectives and innovative ideas will help enhance supply chain efficiency and security.
HDA created the Emerging Leaders program to develop the next generation of supply chain professionals and prepare them to shape the future of the industry. Offering resources targeted toward young professionals in any supply chain sector, the program provides the tools they need to take on new projects, prepare for new roles, make an impact at their companies and set themselves up for a successful career. HDA members who are 39 years old or younger are eligible to apply for the program.
Meet Your Perfect Mentor, Network with Trading Partners and More
Two Emerging Leaders, Isabel Esbensen, Senior Manager, Generic Rx at AmerisourceBergen and Laura Towns, Director of Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing at BluPax Pharma, recently spoke to HDA about their involvement with the program as part of our Faces of the Supply Chain video series. During the discussion, Towns and Esbensen reflected on how their participation in Emerging Leaders, and the importance of strong mentorship, has positively impacted their career growth.
On the opportunities for mentorship, Esbensen said, “I’ve had the same mentor for two years and he and I have a really great relationship. He was my mentor when I first got into my leadership role, so his knowledge and just bouncing ideas off of him has really been invaluable.”
Virtual networking sessions have been a great experience for Towns, who was able to connect with new trading partners within the Emerging Leaders membership. “Our breakout room sessions on Zoom [were] really beneficial,” she said, with the program ultimately helping to connect her company to new supply chain partners. “It’s one of those groups where you can feel comfortable and have a nice conversation with them because … you’re all in line [and] have the same end goal,” she added.
Join Emerging Leaders
The Emerging Leaders program is open to all eligible employees at HDA member companies. Some of the benefits participants enjoy include:
- Professional development sessions;
- Mentorship;
- Networking opportunities;
- Event discounts and exclusive sessions at HDA conferences; and,
- Opportunities to connect with HDA’s Industry Relations Council.
From mentorship to educational events, this program has helped dozens of people connect with their peers and industry veterans to exchange ideas, problem solve and expand their supply chain knowledge. Emerging Leaders helps eligible individuals pursue their professional goals and provides industry-specific resources to support their career aspirations.
Apply here to join a group of like-minded individuals who are committed to leading the industry into the future. To learn more about Emerging Leaders and other HDA professional development initiatives, contact Subrina Ghorashi, Associate Director, Education.