Branch: Pharmacy
CGPA: 8.99
Field: Cell Biology
Masters: Stem Cell Engineering for Regenerative Medicine from the University of Glasgow
Current work: Clinical Laboratory Scientist at Lighthouse Labs (processing patient samples for COVID-19 diagnosis)
Q. How did you start developing interest in the field and how did you work upon choosing your career path (Please mention projects and internships you were a part of)?
I think my career path changed after I did my thesis at CSIR-IGIB. Initially, I was inclined towards pharmacology. I researched Tuberculosis for a year and applied for a thesis in the same field. At first, the techniques were familiar but gradually the objectives changed, and I ended up learning hard-core biotechnology. I started liking the work and applied for similar graduate programs. But I found my M.Sc. through pure serendipity. I saw an advertisement for this course, liked the course name, and applied.
Q. What were the short-term goals that you needed to achieve that were important for your career?
I used to make sure that I read the syllabus topics during the exam time only. In this way, I had enough time to learn new topics throughout the semester. It was like a quest for me to understand my interest, to jump from coding to designing, and then to foreign languages.
Q. What clubs and departments were you a part of? How did you manage your time between academics and extracurriculars?
I used to be a Member of Arts and Deco, DoSH, Design Team Lead for NSS, and Core Committee Member for Panacea, Pharmacy Association. These roles never interfered with my academics mostly because all the work would fall during the fests. There were days when I used to be so stressed about the exams and surprise quizzes that I would wish to have had some extracurricular work to de-stress myself.
Q. How differently must one prepare if he/she wishes to move abroad for further studies? What advice would you give them?
I feel that skills and knowledge are the most important criterions evaluators look for. Grades are the first criterion, but the majority of the applicants cross this level. Have a well-written SOP and just a little something which will help you to stand out from the herd.
Q. In the current pandemic situation, with many online resources available, how do you think one can make the best use of them?
In the beginning, it feels good to study in the comfort of your house but gradually one tends to lose focus. Try to maintain small but achievable deadlines for every day and treat yourself once achieved. And most importantly, hold yourself responsible if things do not go as planned, or else every day will pass by in excuses.
Q. Any general advice for your juniors?
For final years, be calm. You did your best. It is perfectly fine to be clueless. Just keep applying and something somewhere is waiting for you, maybe this year or maybe the next. For pre-final years, enhance your skillset, invest in yourself. Or else, just go out and try something new. For the 2nd and 1st years, just explore BITS. There is just so much to learn and understand. Befriend seniors and reach out to professors. Trust me, they have a lot to share!
Disclaimer: The points given above are the views and steps taken by the individual. They are not fixed steps and guidelines to base your college upon. Our hope is to inspire students so they can take the necessary steps hereafter. We hope you like it!
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