NUS Pharmaceutical Society

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Graduate Studies Fireside Chat

What’s beyond clinical and industry?
For those interested in post-grad studies, this was their golden opportunity to seek clarity from the 5% who’ve walked down that path.

There’s a reason why taking a post-grad is rare.

Other than costing arm and leg, it delays your income. It's a huge commitment, yet it surely has it's prestige. What if it’s not for me? What are the pros and cons of going down this path? Filled with uncertainty, participants attended an offline sharing by someone who’s been in that exact position.


Dr Donovan Neo, a NUS BSc (Pharmacy) graduate, recently obtained his PhD in Chemical Biology from Harvard University. Now as a Lecturer in NUS, the post-grad guru is back to shed light on the controversial truth about post-graduate studies.

The reality of post-graduate studies

Anyone can do it right? WRONG.With most things in life, it depends. It's critical to weigh the pros against the cons of this life-changing decision. Here's where Dr Neo steps in to outline the qualities one must possess to make the post-graduate choice, a right one.

How to transition from the undergraduate life

Participants were taken through the ups and downs of his own experience as a B.pharm graduate into life as a post-grad at Harvard University. With that, he also provided tips on how to better adapt to the new challenges, if participants find themselves in a similar situation.

A step-by-step guide to preparing for graduate studies

Even as early as y1, there’s many things one can do to make sure a post-graduate experience becomes a life-changing one. Graduate studies financially seems out of reach for many people, but Dr Neo emphasized that there are several avenues to look towards for financial support. The bottom line? When there's a will, there's a way.

Dr Neo ended off the session with an informal Q&A to ensure all doubts about post-graduate studies were not left unclarified and more insights could be shared. 

"I enjoyed listening to the various questions thqt were asked by students, which I may nit have thought of myself!" - Reuben Quek

For many participants, this was their first foray into the world of graduate-studies. If you, like them have any doubts about this uncommon path, don’t worry, Dr Neo is here to stay.

Do keep a look out on NUSPS announcement channel for any Acad events that cover graduate studies!


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