From Lab to Tech: Is Leaving Science the Right Career Decision?
The Start of my Academic Journey in Science
Growing up as a middle child between an older sister and a younger brother, my fascination with the study of life stemmed initially from my sister’s strong influence. Being three years older than me, she had a clear career path in mind following secondary school, opting to pursue Biomedical Science at polytechnic and eventually Biological Sciences at university.
My educational journey took a slightly different route from hers. I initially studied Pharmaceutical Science at polytechnic before eventually joining the same university as my sister to pursue the same major. Then, my younger brother followed suit (the power of sibling influence indeed) — Biomedical Science at polytechnic before progressing to Life Sciences at a different university from us, the sister duo.
In those days, our study room transformed into a hub of brainstorming sessions where we’d put our thinking caps on and engage in endless discussions about our ongoing research projects and emerging scientific trends. Funnily enough, our parents could only watch us in confusion whenever we became deeply engrossed in our conversations.
My Academic Path in a Nutshell
Throughout my educational journey, I gained a deeper understanding behind the beautiful complexity of the human body and various living systems and learnt to appreciate the inner intricate workings of life due to its delicate and dynamic nature. Above all, the remarkable ability of the human mind in leveraging scientific knowledge to manipulate genetic information within our DNA and even potentially reverse the aging process never cease to amaze me to this day.
As a budding science student, I had always thought that donning a lab coat was a cool act as portrayed in sci-fi movies and dramas. Looks aside, I got to clone a human gene to generate a protein known for its potential to combat atherosclerosis in cardiovascular diseases as well as identified candidate genes that direct the differentiation of embryogenic stem cells to retinal progenitor cells; thus holding promise for the treatment of eye conditions like glaucoma.
When Research Was Not My Calling…
Don’t get me wrong, I genuinely enjoyed discovering and expanding my knowledge in the areas of research that captivate me. Yet, the notion of being confined to the laboratory all day, sometimes devoid of exposure to natural light and fresh air, led me to question whether pursuing a career in research full-time after graduation would be my calling…
… the answer is no, unfortunately.
Next Stop: Quality Sector in Biopharmaceutical / Pharmaceutical Sector
After thorough contemplation, I decided to shift my focus towards the quality sector within the pharmaceutical industry, viewing it as an avenue to escape from the constraints of a research laboratory. Quickly updating my resume, I finally secured an internship position as a Quality Control (QC) intern at a well-known pharmaceutical company for a few months during my final year in college. Following graduation this year, I managed to obtain my full-time role as a QC Officer at a local biopharmaceutical startup specializing in the manufacture of stem cells for patients.
Just a few months into my first full-time job, I found myself feeling stuck once again. Tasks such as drafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), adhering rigorously to Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), routine handling and processing of clinical samples, as well as the repetitive and labour-intensive cleaning and upkeep of the laboratory, made me question my career choice once more. It slowly became clear that I couldn’t envision myself remaining in this monotonous line of work in the long run down the road.
Me myself as a doer, I immediately recognized the need for change while I am still a fresh graduate out of college. Yet at the same time, I felt lost after having already explored every conceivable career option available to a science graduate that could align with my expectations.
Why Friends and Networking Could Be Beneficial in Life
Knowing various individuals working in the tech industry — such as product managers, data scientists, software developers, and cybersecurity analysts, I’m truly intrigued by the diverse and interesting projects they were involved in, which is a stark contrast to my somewhat stagnant career path in terms of both professional advancement and personal growth.
At a point where I felt stuck in my career trajectory, a close friend informed me about a specialized program in a global IT company designed for fresh graduates without any prior IT background. Seeing an opportunity, I mustered up the courage and immediately resigned from my current position without hesitation to apply for the program.
Despite my limited knowledge and zero experience in tech, the sustained demand for such roles fascinates me, especially given the recent tech layoffs and job volatility. Just like how I first embarked on my academic journey as a science student, I’m excited yet curious at the same time to explore how technology can be utilised to address real world issues; this time round as a working adult.
Recently, I had an enlightening conversation with a woman in her early thirties who transitioned from being a full-fledged licensed pharmacist to a financial advisor after a few years within the healthcare sector. Her bold decision to pivot her career just as her pharmacy profession was about to take off impressed me. During our conversation, she shared a compelling yet pragmatic insight that has resonated deeply with me; something that every fresh graduate ought to know as they enter the workforce:
“Our career choices are influenced by only about 20% of our passion; the remaining 80% encompasses factors like work culture, salary, job satisfaction, and even mental well-being.”
Final Thoughts…
Many have inquired about my certainty in transitioning into the tech field and if I genuinely enjoy coding. Despite my considerable experience in the science field and the need to start from scratch in this new yet uncertain field, I can’t give a definitive answer that moving into a tech career is the “right” move for me. Nonetheless, I’m prepared to take this huge leap instead of continuing in my current job, which somehow failed to provide the sense of fulfilment I seek as a working adult.
As I wrote this first ever blog, another invaluable piece of advice from a career coach whom I met in college following graduation just came to mind:
“Don’t let your degree dictate your career choice and stop you from doing what you really want to do after graduation.”
Calling out to all soon-to be and recent graduates who are still navigating the job market as they enter the new stage of life, and to those contemplating a career switch but have yet to take the leap, I wish you all the best! ☺
