What is your current task at your company?

I am a Site Manager and Site Supervisor at DR. BÄHLER DROPA AG, responsible together with my team for supporting our pharmacies and drugstores in the Aargau region as well as in the neighbouring cantons of Zurich, Zug, and Lucerne.

In my role, I serve as the link between our service centre and the management teams of the individual locations. I coach and support the local managers in their daily operations, help them achieve their business goals, and ensure that the company’s philosophy and guidelines are put into practice on site.

In addition, I take on an important mediator role – promoting communication, assisting with operational matters, and stepping in personally when staffing shortages occur to provide relief and maintain smooth operations.

It is particularly important to me to actively embody the \"We are family\" spirit of our family-owned company and to contribute to ensuring that we remain one of the most attractive employers in the industry.

Why did you decide to work at your company and what did the application process look like?

I have been part of DR. BÄHLER DROPA AG for more than 18 years – I started directly after completing my training as a pharmacy assistant. Even back then, I was impressed by the company’s open, family-oriented culture and strong team spirit.

What motivated me most was the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally from the very beginning. I completed my Matura and later my pharmacy studies at ETH while working – always with the full support of my employer. This trust and encouragement were decisive for me and further strengthened my connection to the company.

The application process at that time was very warm and straightforward – it already reflected the \"We are family\" spirit that I still experience in my daily work today. For me, DR. BÄHLER DROPA AG has never been just an employer, but an environment where you can grow, take on responsibility, and achieve meaningful things together.

Which strengths did you develop during your studies that helped you in particular in your current job?

During my pharmacy studies at ETH, I primarily learned to think analytically, understand complex interrelationships, and work with precision. These skills are extremely valuable to me today, especially when it comes to approaching operational challenges in a structured way and making well-founded decisions.

At the same time, my studies taught me to take responsibility, think critically, and act in a solution-oriented manner – qualities that are essential in my role as a site manager and coach.

Finally, I also learned the importance of perseverance, setting priorities, and pursuing long-term goals – abilities that help me motivate my team and achieve success together.

What fascinates you about your work in particular?

What fascinates me most about my work is its diversity and dynamism. No day is the same – every pharmacy, every team, and every situation brings new challenges and opportunities.

I am truly passionate about supporting and developing people – whether it’s helping branch managers achieve their goals or seeing employees grow in their personal development. This direct impact and shared sense of achievement motivate me every single day.

I also appreciate the entrepreneurial freedom my role offers. It allows me to actively contribute to embedding our values and philosophy at the various locations and to make a lasting difference.

What I find particularly fulfilling is that at DR. BÄHLER DROPA AG we don’t just think in business terms – we act with humanity. This family spirit is something I wholeheartedly live and strive to pass on.

How would you describe the corporate culture in your company, especially with regard to teamwork and collaboration?

The corporate culture at DR. BÄHLER DROPA AG is strongly shaped by trust, openness, and mutual support.

Teamwork for us is not just a slogan – it’s something we live every day. Regular exchange between the locations, the service centre, and the various specialist departments creates a strong sense of togetherness. Every opinion is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute.

What I particularly appreciate is the culture of constructive feedback and the trust placed in us. This open collaboration allows us to overcome challenges quickly, learn from one another, and achieve success together.

Long story short: we work professionally – and always with heart – and that’s exactly what makes our company so special.

What would you recommend ETH students to do during their studies for future industry experience?

I would encourage ETH students to gain practical experience early on and to actively connect with the professional world – whether through internships, summer jobs, or small projects in pharmacies or industry. Theory is important, but understanding how processes actually work in everyday practice is invaluable.

It’s equally important to stay curious and open-minded – to explore different fields, look beyond one’s own area, and be willing to try new things. Communication, teamwork, and empathy are just as crucial in professional life as technical knowledge. Those who start developing these skills during their studies will be much better prepared for their future careers.

And finally: pursue your own path with passion and perseverance. My own journey has shown that with dedication and joy in what you do, you can achieve a great deal – especially in an environment that supports and values personal growth.

What is your current task at your company?

I currently work as a pharmacist in a community pharmacy, where my primary responsibilities include dispensing medications, providing comprehensive customer counseling and health management support, and ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, we offer various services such as vaccinations, capillary blood analysis and measuring blood pressure. Additionally, as the daily pharmacist in charge, I am responsible for the smooth operations of the pharmacy as well as for the team on duty.

Why did you decide to work at your company and what did the application process look like?

I initially joined the pharmacy as an assistant pharmacist while studying for my Master's degree. This experience provided me with valuable practical knowledge, and I felt genuinely welcomed and well supported by the team. When I graduated, accepting the pharmacist position was an easy decision. What continues to attract me to the company is its supportive culture and the growth opportunities it provides. I also appreciate that the company has many other locations, enabling us to connect and collaborate with colleagues from across the organization. This network provides excellent opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional development.

Which strengths did you develop during your studies that helped you in particular in your current job?

During my studies, I strengthened my communication and teamwork skills, which are essential for collaboration within the team, with other healthcare professionals, and for advising our customers. I also built strong memorization skills and the ability to retain detailed information, which helps me in my daily work, especially when recalling medications, dosages, drug interactions, and potential adverse reactions.

What fascinates you about your work in particular?

What fascinates me most about my work is the dynamic nature of a pharmacy. No two days are the same. There is always something new to learn, whether it is new medications, updated treatment guidelines, or recent scientific discoveries. Additionally, each patient interaction is unique. This constant learning and variety make the work both challenging and rewarding.

How would you describe the corporate culture in your company, especially with regard to teamwork and collaboration?

Teamwork is essential in a pharmacy. You really cannot function without one another. I work closely with other pharmacists, pharma-assistants, and apprentices on a daily basis. The culture in our pharmacy is very supportive and open. Together, we share knowledge, learn from one another, and work collaboratively to maintain a high standard of care for our customers.

What would you recommend ETH students to do during their studies for future industry experience?

I would recommend that students gain practical experience during their studies. For example, they could work as assistant pharmacists or take on student positions in pharmacies. This will give you a real feel for what pharmacy work is like beyond the textbooks. You will learn how to interact with customers for the first time, work as part of a healthcare team and apply all the theory you have studied. After all those exams and study sessions, it is finally time to put that theoretical knowledge into action!