Today, we have Lee Fang from the Class of 2020 share her journey after graduation with us.
Could you share more about your career path so far?
I graduated in 2020 and started working for a private TCM clinic since attaining my STRE certification! I stayed for a year or so before deciding to resign and enter research instead as I was looking to further my education. I am currently a research assistant at a neurobiology lab and will be starting my post graduate education soon
What is the main inspiration/background behind your choice of career?
Well, I first chose to do TCM because I was intrigued by the role that it played in a person’s healthcare. Medicines, stethoscopes and CT machines are all well understood but things such as acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion are much harder concepts
to understand and I was interested in finding out more thus the decision to study TCM. After working in TCM for over a year, I decided that it was a time for a change in scenery and broaden my interests thus the decision to leave the industry for a short while.
What are some of the challenges you faced?
Well, there was definitely the fact that any form of unemployment is scary and very uncertain. I was unsure if I would be able to work in a lab seeing that I didn’t have much experience and I applied to a very prestigious one. There were also times I would be stressed out about the lack of responses from employers and the fear that I undertook such a huge risk for nothing. However, I was very fortunate to be offered a position at the lab I wanted.
Is there anything else you would like to share with fellow alumni who might be going through a similar situation?
I would advise them to slow down and carefully consider your choices. Many decisions are made in the heat of the moment and might be impulsive. Think about what you want to do and try to picture yourself in the future doing said work. If you are able to do so, then my next piece of advice is to not fear the unknown! Many others prefer to no take any risks and stay in their comfort zone, however I believe that to achieve your goals, some risk must be taken; sometimes even just a leap of faith. Surprisingly, things always have a way of working out!
From PULSE Magazine 6th Edition
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