Student Stories

“Whether it is the best of times or the worst of times, it is the only time we have.”

How did you know of PSB Academy and La Trobe University?

After graduating with a Diploma in Biotechnology from Republic Polytechnic, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the biomedical and biotechnology field. However, nearing the end of polytechnic, I found myself feeling lost and uncertain—especially after my GPA didn’t meet the cut-off for public universities.

I came across PSB Academy and was drawn to its partnership with La Trobe University. The degree programmes offered felt on par with those of public institutions, so I decided to apply.

Can you tell us about yourself and your current role as a Medical Technologist at Innoquest Diagnostics?

Through a friend’s referral, I applied for a Medical Technologist role at Innoquest Diagnostics. Daily, I operate machines involved in urine analysis. Each sample we process tells a unique story—whether it’s chronic kidney disease, renal failure, or a urinary tract infection. Thinking on your feet and troubleshooting issues on the spot are part and parcel of my job, especially as we validate results in real time. The contrast between school simulations and real-world cases became even clearer once I stepped into the field.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the world around me and playing brain-teasing computer games like crossword puzzles. I also stay active, volunteering with Youth Corps Singapore and the Canberra Community Volunteers. When time permits, I enjoy a bit of urban exploration.

What inspired you to become a Medical Technologist, and what do you enjoy most about this role?

I’ve always been curious about how clinical samples like blood and urine are processed behind the scenes, and how lab results are produced in a timely, structured way. That curiosity drove me to research more about the profession during my final trimester at PSB Academy.

Being a Medical Technologist lets me combine problem-solving, critical thinking, and my knowledge of science. There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing that what I do directly contributes to saving lives—whether immediately or over the long term.

What challenges did you face when transitioning from student life to your professional career, and how did you overcome them?

Finding a job in today’s competitive market can feel overwhelming. Rejections happen for various reasons—low ATS scores, undisclosed hiring criteria, or job postings that end up being outdated or changed. During this period, I often felt lost with the sheer number of opportunities out there for fresh grads.

I believed that one decision could shape my entire path, so I took time to carefully consider each application. Though I interviewed with multiple companies, the interviews didn’t go as well as I hoped.

Eventually, I secured my current role through a referral from a PSB Academy course mate. I kept applying even when I wasn’t sure I was the best fit, and that persistence paid off. Networking was key—one message really can change everything.

How did your education at PSB Academy prepare you for your current role and career path, especially as a Medical Technologist?

PSB Academy equipped me with theoretical knowledge and essential lab skills. The practical sessions gave me real-world experience using industry-relevant protocols. I even had the rare chance to intern in a lab during my second trimester, which helped sharpen my communication skills as I explained concepts to others—something I believe is one of the best ways to reinforce learning.

Our Project Module required us to use research, practical skills, and collaboration to produce a team-based research paper. Balancing academics and commitments taught me time management and prioritisation—skills that have served me well on the job.

While my supervisor provided helpful training, the foundational knowledge and adaptability I gained at PSB Academy helped me learn quickly and perform effectively in my role.

What do you do outside of work and studies to unwind, stay active, and develop new skills?

Outside of work and studies, I enjoy reading widely, from psychology to adventure and mystery novels. I’m also a fan of computer games that challenge me to think quickly, like crossword puzzles and other puzzle games. Staying active is important to me, so I regularly exercise and actively volunteer with Youth Corps Singapore and the Canberra Community Volunteers, using my skills to make a positive impact. Whenever I find free time between my commitments, I indulge in urban exploration, discovering new places and experiences.

What skills do you believe are essential for a successful career as a Medical Technologist, and how did you develop these skills?

I believe as a medical technologist, one must be be well-versed in both routine and complex analytical tests on human body fluids and tissues—including bacteriology, immunohematology, chemistry, haematology, parasitology, serology, and urinalysis.

This involves collecting and preparing samples for analysis while ensuring their integrity throughout the testing process. I will analyse and interpret test results to provide accurate data that supports optimal diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, I will correlate clinical information with lab results and report any discrepancies to the Head of Department. Adhering to quality assurance and quality control procedures is crucial. I will participate in maintaining laboratory standards by regularly testing reagents, calibrating equipment, and documenting control values as per established SOPs and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration is key as a Medical Technologist, which involves communicating important information quickly and accurately to support patient care. Being adaptable is also crucial as procedures or SOPs may change over time, and it’s important to clarify doubts to avoid errors that could affect a patient’s treatment plan.

Moreover, I also operate and maintain laboratory equipment, conducting regular checks to ensure everything functions correctly. As I gain experience, I look forward to training junior staff and mentoring new technologists. Overall, my commitment to adhering to MOH guidelines, ISO standards, and CAP accreditation will ensure compliance with safety protocols in the lab environment. Through these responsibilities, I aim to play a vital role in diagnosing diseases and improving healthcare delivery through quality lab services.

My time at PSB Academy, though short, provided me with both the skills and knowledge necessary for routine and complex testing, as well as the confidence to operate laboratory equipment. The modules were designed to progressively increase in difficulty, building my resilience and strategic thinking. Every lab practical session and lesson involved collaboration, where we actively discussed and worked together to achieve the best outcomes.

What specific resources or support from the PSB Academy Career Services Team did you find most helpful and how did it impact your career journey?

The career talks, job fairs, and the Job Preparation Series were pivotal in my job search process. They showed me that PSB Academy genuinely cares about students’ futures beyond graduation.

I especially found the resume builder from PSB Academy Career Portal helpful. Once I started using it to format my resume according to ATS standards, I noticed a spike in interview calls compared to when I used my previous formats.

What advice would you give to current students on how to effectively engage with the Career Services Team for their career development?

The Career Services Team is always ready to help—but as students, we need to take the first step. Be proactive and reach out.

Attend resume writing and review workshops. You’ll get instant feedback and tips tailored to your goals. These sessions helped me polish my resume and gave me strategies to tailor it to each job application, setting me up for long-term career success.

What were some of the most memorable experiences you had during your time at PSB Academy?

I vividly recall attending PSB Academy’s Open House on 10 June 2023 at the STEM Wing. After being unable to get into local universities, that visit felt like a turning point. I immediately applied for the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology and Molecular Biology) at PSB Academy, knowing my last leg of education would be secured by July 2023. When I began my first lesson—a laboratory practical—I was amazed at how familiar the environment felt, closely resembling my experience at Republic Polytechnic.

I remember how I always took part in PSB Academy’s events, giving in to FOMO to explore as much as I could during my short stay at the academy. It has broadened my horizons and opened up interactions with people from different nationalities, fostering the multicultural spirit within me. Though I applied for a leadership position in the Global Student Club and it didn’t work out as planned, I believe that acting as a leader doesn’t require holding a leadership position.

During my time as a student, I worked as a lab intern for 1 semester. Additionally, I served as a teaching assistant for the Pharmacology and Human Pathophysiology modules. The rare opportunity to take on both roles during my short one-year stay at PSB Academy has lifted me beyond the sky and brought me to places I never could have imagined at the start of 2024.

With all that being said, the most memorable moment during my time at PSB Academy was actively volunteering at the Open Houses in 2024. I remember how I would take everything in my stride and introduce the school with confidence to new prospective students who wished to further their studies at PSB Academy. The interactions and opportunity to be a tour guide left a lasting impression on me, polishing the gem in me.

Looking back, I never regret making memories at PSB Academy, regardless of how they have shaped me.