PDEL Testimonial - Michelle Leong
Michelle Leong
Degree and specialization: MSc, Medical Education
Graduation year (if relevant): 2022
PDEL cohort year: 2020-2021
How was your experience in the PDEL program?
- My experience with the PDEL program was overwhelmingly positive. I started my master’s and the PDEL program immediately after finishing my undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences. As I did not have prior work experience within my graduate specialization, the 4-month internship opportunity was extremely valuable to my career development. Besides the internship, the PDEL program also provided protected time to reflect on my strengths, weaknesses, areas for growth, career preferences, and career development goals. Making the reflections a mandatory requirement of the program was important because it helped me prioritize personal reflection the same way I would prioritize an assignment deadline.
What were the key things you learned in the PDEL program?
- The importance of personal reflection and career planning. As graduate students, it is easy to dedicate all our time to assignments, scholarship applications, and research but it is equally important to reflect on post-graduation plans and how to set ourselves up for success.
- Revisit goals and career plans on a regular basis. Depending on the stage of your graduate degree, it could be once a year or more frequently. Goal setting and personal reflections are not a one-time occurrence and they are most effective when reviewed regularly to monitor progression.
- The value of informational interviews. It is a fantastic way to learn more about a potential career path and to build your professional network.
How has participating in PDEL program influenced your career thus far?
- Prior to the PDEL program, I was only exposed to academic research environments and did not know much about industry positions. My internship with a contract research organization showed me an alternative career path and expanded my perspective on how I can leverage my research skills outside of academia. Overall, the PDEL program encouraged me to explore multiple career paths and the importance of making informed decisions, which can be achieved through internships and/or informational interviews.