Previously, Linda was forced to like her job, but now with the new skills she has gained at MDIS, Linda can do what she likes.

By Ashley Choo

The tides have turned
Twenty-four-year-old Linda Lim may have scored an exceptional grade point average of 3.6 when she graduated with a Diploma in Chemical Engineering five years ago, but that did not secure her a job of her choice...

Compared to her peers, she counted herself lucky when she received one response out of the 10 job applications she sent out after graduation. By then, she had already resigned herself to a job in the banking industry.

Today, months before she graduates with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Management, Linda is already in a difficult situation, albeit a pleasant one. “I sent out five résumés looking for a position in sales and marketing and all five organisations actually replied within a week,” she said. “Some of their replies ended up in my junk mail so I didn’t see them at first. When I didn’t reply, they sent me another email. Some even called and sent me an SMS to make sure I attend the interview.”

Even Linda’s lecturers at MDIS are courting her aptitude developed in school. She confided that some of them who are also working in multinational companies suggested that she sends in her résumés after submitting her final year dissertation paper. Although that paper will decide Linda’s final grade of achievement, she is already sure of getting at least a second upper class honours and is grateful to her alma mater for that.

The obvious choice
Reminiscing about her decision to join MDIS three years ago, Linda noted several compelling reasons. First, she liked that the programme is not a “commoner’s degree”. The Bachelor of Science programme is offered by the University of Bradford, which assured Linda with its accredited curriculum. She also noted that MDIS’ collaboration with the UK-based university has been steadfast and well-established.

Second, Linda had testimonials from her polytechnic seniors to fall back on. Even though her friends studied different courses, Linda chose Pharmaceutical Management for its diversity of modules. She reckoned that the flexibility in skills acquired is “better for the future”.

Also, MDIS had just consolidated their facilities on a three-hectare piece of land at Stirling Road when she decided to resume her studies. Linda liked the adequacy of the library reference section in the UniCampus, as well as the life sciences laboratories which are well-furnished with equipment such as electrocardiograms and those required for urinalysis. The availability of resources not only helped her build a strong foundation in the first year, it also helped her to comprehend and master difficult subjects which she was not introduced to while at the polytechnic.

Subjected to enthusiasm
When asked about her favourite subject, Linda did not have to ponder for long before throwing up “gastrointestinal system”, quickly followed by “physiological system”, and “common disease and treatment” right after. It was hard for her to pin down just one subject that she liked. She also spoke fondly of management modules such as Economics, Marketing and Accounting. The mix of topics covered gave her the opportunity to study science-related subjects which she enjoys, while equipping her with management skills which Linda believes will aid her in her job search.

Despite her enthusiasm for several subjects, Linda is already sure of what she wants to do when she graduates. Though she had no inkling about her future when she first started her course, Linda began to have a clearer idea by her second year. “The majority of my lecturers are very helpful,” she said. “Some of them are working professionals like doctors who share their personal experiences and real-life examples in class. They also talk about the job prospects related to the modules they teach.”

Greater impact ahead
With the progression of the course, Linda found herself drawing relevance from textbook knowledge and applying it to daily life. “I learnt about diseases and how some drugs worked. It also helped that I have a personal interest in my mum’s health. She has a history of stroke. I could watch out for any development in her symptoms and the drugs available to treat them.” Friends would also come to her for advice on the types of over-the-counter drugs they ought to take when they fall sick.

However, this is just the beginning. From currently helping only family and friends, Linda will be influencing many more lives once she has decided on one of the two career routes she has shortlisted—clinical research to discover new drugs or marketing drugs to hospital territories.

For now, there is the dissertation paper to complete and the task of corresponding with future employers (whom she has promised to call back after completing her course).

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