Student Stories

Could you share with us about your current role as a Research Trainee at the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE)?

I’ve managed to attain this position through the SGUnited Traineeship programme. As a Research Trainee, I’m trained in different biological techniques such as microbiology, molecular biology and biotechnology. The project which I’m involved in aims to identify the type of mutations in bacterial mutant species taken from biofilms.  I’m also trained to do PCR testing, which is performed to detect genetic material such as a virus, and gene cloning.

2020 caught many of us by surprise. What were the challenges you faced when you were job-hunting? How do you overcome them?

I started searching for jobs in April 2020 and applied for more than 100 jobs both related to my field of studies as well as others with no success. I then applied through the SGUnited Traineeship programme initiated by the government and eventually got some interview calls. After going through those interviews, I finally secured the traineeship position at SCELSE.

How has PSB Academy’s Career Services and Engagement Team’s workshops and webinars helped you get ready for the working world?

The career workshops and webinars taught me how to tackle some commonly asked questions and to present myself during job interviews. I also learnt how to improve my resume and received some guidance from the PSB Academy career coaches.

The Identi3 workshop suggested by the career coaches gave me an idea of which career path I’m likely to do well in. I had received some useful tips to ace job interviews through the mentorship programme and attended career fairs to explore various job opportunities as well as connected with people from different companies.

The Career Services team also organised industry visits to various companies and shared the latest updates regarding the current job market.

Overall, I would like to credit part of my success to the PSB Academy Career Services team.

Why is PSB Academy your choice for further studies?

After my high school studies, I had opted to take up a degree in biomedical science since this is one of the emerging fields which provides stable job options. I had taken up the Foundation Diploma in Life Sciences programme which deepened my interest and curiosity to learn biomedical science.

Apart from this, PSB Academy offers degree programmes from reputed universities in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

In what ways has your education at PSB Academy added value to your career and personal development?

I did the Foundation Diploma in Life Sciences and Bachelor of Biomedical Science with La Trobe University, and had developed a deep interest in doing laboratory experiments. As a matter of fact, I’m pursuing a career which involves lab work. I also did research for my projects and presentations and became curious to know how researchers put in effort to publish numerous research articles. The lab work, which is part of many Life Science modules at PSB Academy, is now of great value and I’m able to apply them into my research.

Apart from career, I was also able to improve on my public speaking skills by doing presentations and speeches during the degree course.

Why do you think it is important to keep in touch with the school after you graduated?

PSB Academy has always supported me in my career development through career workshop trainings and coaching. Apart from that, the student life team at PSB Academy had engaged me with interesting webinars on personality developments. I’m very much looking forward to more of such webinars or events in future, which can boost my overall personality and lifestyle.

Share a personal quote or mantra you live by.

I believe that life-long learning and continuous self-development can make anyone successful in life.