Born and raised in Malaysia, the UK has always been one of my top destinations in pursuing higher education. From September 2019 to June 2023, I pursued my Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology in Taiwan. Before coming to Strathclyde, I had been accepted to a Masters program in Immunology and Microbiology in Taiwan, but I decided to go forth with Strathclyde in the UK, not only to fulfil a childhood dream, but also for personal development growth and to further expand my worldview.
What were your reasons for taking on a postgraduate degree?
My main reason for taking on a postgraduate degree was to extend my knowledge in the biomedical world as I intend to make the shift from a biotechnology background to a more biomedical background. I also believe that a certificate of postgraduate degree would be beneficial to me in terms of future opportunities and hopefully set me apart from others.
How did you make the decision to study at Strathclyde?
I made the decision to study at Strathclyde mainly due to the staff’s scientific expertise. Each professor specialises in an area of expertise that is interesting to me and that has prompted me to gain a deep interest in the course. Besides that, the addition of a compulsory entrepreneurship class also intrigued me as it is an area that though I am not familiar with, but I believe is an important aspect of knowledge that can help me in my future endeavours.
What do you like about your course and Strathclyde?
Strathclyde’s MSc Biomedical Science includes aspects of other related biomedical science elective subjects such as immunology, pathology, microbiology, and biochemistry. The lecturers also take into consideration the many students coming from diverse backgrounds, as they are very patient and eager to explain things as best as they can, while also prompting us to think more proactively. Occasionally, lecturers and professors will notify students of upcoming career seminars, conferences and events corresponding to our educational background that may help us understand more about what to expect in the workplace environment in the future. With Strathclyde receiving many prestigious accolades, I would say that my experience here has lived up to the expectations, in terms of comprehensive teaching and education services, modern and refined facilities, and most importantly, welcoming, friendly and helpful staff.
What specialist knowledge/professional skills have you developed whilst studying the course?
The lab classes are the ones where I learned and improved a lot as I find them the most challenging due to the unfamiliarity of it. During the lab classes, I was able to improve my basic hands-on laboratory skills, such as pipetting, and learn laboratory techniques that I had not done before, such as PCR, MTT assay and Griess assay.
What are your ambitions for the future and how do you think your time at Strathclyde will help you achieve your goals?
In the future, I hope to get a career in a related field to biomedical sciences. The Career Services at Strathclyde have provided immense help in the job-hunting process, such as seminars in teaching us how to transcribe our CVs and cover letters, ways to optimise usage of our LinkedIn account for a more fruitful outcome and more. Besides that, Strathclyde Career Services also occasionally organise careers events and conferences for students to attend, such as the Glasgow STEM Women Graduate Careers Event.
How have you found your time living in Glasgow and what's your favourite thing about the city?
My time living in Glasgow (especially near the city centre) has been very peaceful and lively, definitely a very pleasant experience. My favourite thing about the city is that it’s very convenient, everything is within reach, and the people and locals that I have met have been very nice, friendly and helpful.
Have you managed to explore anywhere outside of Glasgow?
Unfortunately, as of now, I had only explored parts of Glasgow and had only been to Edinburgh a few times to attend networking events, seminars, career drives and as a short one-day getaway trip. In the coming months, I hope to explore more of Scotland (especially its natural beauty), in places like Oban, St. Andrews and the infamous Isle of Skye.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to study in Glasgow at Strathclyde?
If given the chance to study overseas, and if your financial and familial conditions allow it, I would say to not hesitate and to definitely go for it. It can be an incredibly challenging and fearful process at first, but the process of personal growth and character development, coupled with that of memories made with friends, and meeting new people, and memories from the places that I had been, this Scottish educational experience of mine in Glasgow at Strathclyde is one that I will never forget.