Connecting Biomedical Sciences Alumni and Current Students
The Biomedical Sciences Career Support team at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) successfully organised a Biomedical Sciences Alumni and Student Networking Afternoon on 25 November 2023.
4 December 2023
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) held a Biomedical Sciences Alumni and Student Networking Afternoon on 25 November 2023. Organised by the Biomedical Sciences Career Support team, the event provided a platform, not only to inspire current students and provide them with a glimpse into possible pathways upon graduation, but also for them to obtain invaluable insights and guidance from the university’s alumni. This event was also sponsored by the Student Disbursement Fund of Newcastle University UK to support career development at NUMed.
According to the Chairperson of the event, Associate Professor Dr Roshan Mascarenhas, who is the Assistant Dean of Biomedical Sciences at NUMed, “Interaction with alumni is really useful to educate and raise awareness on career options for our current biomedical sciences students. Moreover, it provides a kind of testimony and examples of how a biomedical science degree could be used to shape their career. Networking opportunities with alumni is particularly important as one can obtain contacts for mentorship and advice for their future job searches.”
These interactions are also instrumental in enabling the students to gain a better understanding of different aspects such as the application process for various careers and other career planning strategies, the current job market, success stories, coping with stress, and even finding international job opportunities.
During the event, current Stage 1 and Stage 2 Biomedical Sciences students were able to glean valuable information on the career pathways of various alumni in Malaysia, Singapore, and the UK. Fourteen alumni attended in person, with five of them giving talks on their experiences. Besides that, five other alumni, who are currently in the UK, were present virtually to share tips on how graduates can look for jobs there, including the qualities and skills required.
Topics delved into included “My Journey into Research” by Min Yee Chow, “How to Stay On Top of Studies, Especially During Year 3” by Ecclesia Chong, “Biomedical Sciences, and What’s Next?” by Jia Yee Ho, “Life of a Biomedical Sciences Student in Malaysia and the UK, and What to Expect in the Future” by Vhimmal Suresh, “My Academic Journey from BSc to PhD, and What’s Next” by Amanda Anne Lavinya, “Taking the ‘Graduate Visa’ Route After Graduation” by Amn Ashhad, “Trying Different Things When You’re Not Sure What to Do After Uni” by John Cornilious, “Finding a Job in the UK – How to Go About it, Working Life in the UK” by Ekankar Kaur, “Working in the Healthcare Industry – from the Clinic to Big Pharma” by Neveena Emeera, and “My Experience from BSc to PhD” by Sarah Hammadi. The alumni also shared their contact details and LinkedIn profiles so that students can get in touch with them if they need further advice.
The event was well-received. Students expressed their appreciation at being able to get insights on what to expect from the biomedical sciences programme and the diverse career opportunities that lie ahead from within the biomedical sciences community.
The Biomedical Sciences Career Support team plans to make this a recurring event by providing a platform for both alumni and current students at the NUMed campus every alternate year. Additionally, Newcastle University also offers various online platforms where they can connect and learn from each other.
