Student Stories

“Continue the desire to learn and embrace lifelong learning.” - Hidayah

Could you share with us about your current role as a Pharmacy Technician - Oncology with National University Hospital (NUH)?

I assist pharmacists with the processing of prescriptions, preparation of drugs in the cleanroom and providing customer service to patients. Working together with the pharmacists, I play a role in ensuring safe and timely delivery of medication to patients, be it in processing prescription or preparation of drugs in the cleanroom.

I’m also involved in the inventory management of the pharmacy and environmental monitoring of the cleanroom.

What challenges do you face in your current job and how do you overcome them?

Time management would be the first thing on my mind. With the high volume of prescriptions and medication orders, I’m pushed to work efficiently and be disciplined to ensure I uphold a high standard in my work and do not compromise on medication safety and workplace safety.

Together with my peers and pharmacists, we work cohesively to manage the challenges faced in our daily work and strive to achieve the set targets. Each staff has a part to play and is key to the team’s success. My studies in PSB Academy helped me develop my time management skills and prepared me well for my current job.

What is one key accomplishment that you have made in your job / what is fulfilling about doing your job?

As a Pharmacy Technician, I was given the opportunity to lead and implement improvements to our practices in the cleanroom. I now work for a fast-paced but creative organisation where talented people work cohesively to ensure that the team does not only get the job done, but with great results. That fuels my desire to come to work every day and gives me the sense of satisfaction knowing I can continue to do what I have always been passionate about.

What made you pursue an education and career in the Life Sciences Industry?

I became interested in studying Pharmaceutical Science when my dad was diagnosed with multiple illnesses. I was overwhelmed by the different kinds of medications he took every day. I kept wondering about all the chronic medications he had to consume and how I could improve his quality of life.

That sparked my journey in pursuing this degree and building a career in the Life Sciences industry. Life Sciences has opened up my eyes and mind to a vast variety of ways to understand the human body and how we are able to improve quality of life.

What would your advice be for students who are planning a similar career path?

Continue the desire to learn and embrace lifelong learning. There will always be something new for us to discover and learn. The course provides the foundational knowledge to build on more complicated ideas and theories. The rigour of the programme will also help deepen your mind and help improve critical thinking. This is key as it helps us to adapt and grow into better versions of ourselves and allows us to be open to the idea of endless possibilities.

You participated in volunteering activities while you are studying. What motivated you to do so despite your tight schedule as a student? (Any highlights to share?)

I believe time is not a factor and no matter how busy I am, my determination and passion drive me to give back to the community. I used to help out in a Day-care Centre that temporarily houses children who are victims of abuse. I enjoyed making the kids happy and feel privileged to be in a position to impart knowledge to them as well. It warms my heart knowing that I was able to bring a smile to their faces.

In what ways has your education at PSB Academy added value to your personal development and career opportunities? How has it built your character?

Beyond my field of study, studying with La Trobe University through PSB Academy has taught me innumerable valuable lessons. Independence is something moulded into my personal values. Since most of the assignments are individual based, most of the research was done independently as well, with the help of our lecturers. At the same time, team bonding was one of the key aspects that I have learnt as working on a group project requires maximum team effort. It sharpens my social and communication skills which I find very useful for my future career opportunities.

Currently, I’m working in Oncology Pharmacy which has given me the opportunity to learn about anti-cancer drugs, cleanroom for cytotoxic drug preparation, as well as technical skills. Having a life science background also equips me with a better understanding of science, especially in Pharmaceutics, and it helps me to get closer to my career goals and aspirations.

Additionally, my education at PSB Academy has humbled me greatly and made me not only grateful but blessed to have my family and friends fully supporting me during the tough and challenging times. I truly would not be who I am today if it were not for them.

Share a personal quote or mantra you live by.

“When times get rough, we don’t give up. We get up.” - Barack Obama

“Life is not easy for any of us, but what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted in something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.” – Marie Curie