LIFE @ UNI - ADVANCED SCIENCE
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Q: What is your career aspiration?
A: I’m planning to finish my current degree and apply for graduate medicine at the University of Sydney. Depending on how that goes, I’m hoping to start my career as a doctor or as a member in scientific research. The prospect of being in either field seems very exciting.
Q: Describe the difference between high school and university.
A: A lot more independence is required; lecture attendance isn’t always mandatory, so people have a tendency to fall behind. The workload gets pretty big as well, but uni has so many more socializing opportunities and events.
Q: What do you love most about your course? What do you dislike?
A: It would have to be the people doing my course. Everyone has a shared sense of interest and there is a lot of help and discussion amongst peers, making the course that much more interesting. However, the lengthy hours [25 hours] during the week are a drawback.
Q: What type of student societies are available at uni? Are you involved in any? What are the benefits?
A: Societies are available in nearly any course or area of interest. At the moment I’m involved in SciSoc,
which is the society available for people doing science related degrees. Societies organise events and get
togethers, you also get discounts and opportunities to meet new people.
Q: People often say “university is like the HSC twice a year”. Is it true? Do you have any habits or skills to manage all your workload?
A: Very true. The scope of the course is immense and the time in which it is covered is unbelievable. It’s difficult to maintain balance at uni because of work, friends and studies. It is very different to high school where your main focus is just studies. Having discipline and motivation are the most important attributes that will help you manage your workload.
Q: Did you do a lot of research before you enrolled into your course? How can you actively research what your course is going to be like?
A: I actually did most of the research concerning my course after the UAI results were released. Active research can range from going to the uni website, attending open days, or even asking someone you know currently doing your desired course.
Q: Do you have a personal secret to success?
A: Simply setting a goal and doing whatever it takes to realize it.
Q: What is a great habit to have during studying at university?
A: Seeking help and always being inquisitive has great benefits, not just in terms of study but uni-life in
general.
Q: What have you done to prepare yourself for life in the corporate word?
A: By working and studying at the same time, I’ve learned to immerse myself in a challenging
environment, which I expect will be useful in the years to come.
