Getting the Most Out of Your Science Degree: Navigating Careers in Science

What can you do with a science degree after graduation? For three School of Science alumni, the answer has led to careers spanning healthcare, intellectual property and the food industry.

On 13 August 2026, the School of Science, Monash University Malaysia hosted ‘Getting the Most Out of Your Science Degree: Navigating Careers in Science’, bringing together alumni and undergraduate students to explore the diverse career opportunities available to science graduates.

The event featured three alumni speakers:

• Dr Joelin New, Medical Lead at Astellas Pharma Malaysia
• Mr Lam Jin Jun, Managing Director of Delish Mill Sdn. Bhd.
• Mr Jasdeep Singh, Managing Director of IP SENSE Sdn. Bhd.

The session was moderated by Associate Professor Dr Joash Tan from the School of Science.

The evening began with a welcoming address by Deputy Head of School (Education), Professor Siow Lee Fong, followed by an introduction from Ms Suraya Newell on Global Alumni Relations. The alumni speakers then shared their personal career journeys and the lessons they had gained along the way since graduating from Monash.

Dr Joelin who graduated first with a Bachelor of Science (Medical Bioscience) degree in 2006 and an Honours degree in Medical Bioscience in 2007, was the first speaker for the evening. Her career progression had led her to the pharmaceutical industry, where she is currently the Medical Lead at Astellas Pharma Malaysia responsible for the Women’s Health and Urology therapeutic areas.

Drawing on her professional experience, Dr Joelin highlighted the importance of attitude and communication in building a successful career. She reminded students that “your attitude is your reputation”, emphasising that employers value individuals who contribute positively and help solve problems. She also stressed the importance of presentation and communication skills, which can be just as important as technical knowledge in the workplace.

For Mr Jin Jun, a Food Science and Technology graduate, his journey from McDonald’s and Haidilao to becoming the founder of Delish Mill demonstrated how scientific knowledge can be applied in the food and business sectors.

Reflecting on his transition from university to the workplace, Jin Jun shared a simple but powerful observation: “University gave me knowledge. My career taught me how to use it.” He advised students not to rush their next move after graduation but instead choose where they can learn the most. He highlighted communication, problem-solving and management as important skills that changed his career, encouraging students to look beyond academic knowledge and consider how they can apply what they learn in real-world situations. Drawing on his own career journey, his final takeaway for students echoed the Monash motto,

Ancora Imparo: 

Stay curious.  Keep learning.  Don't be afraid to change direction.

Our final speaker for the evening was Mr Jasdeep Singh, a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) graduate from 2001 and a Registered Patent, Trademark and Design Agent since 2006. He is currently the co-founder of IP Sense, a Malaysia-based patent and trademark specialist firm.

Jasdeep offered students a different perspective on where a science qualification can lead, sharing how his science degree led him into the field of intellectual property. He provided students with insights into his transition from biotechnology to becoming a patent professional, including the role of a patent trainee and the opportunities available at the intersection of science and intellectual property.

His career journey demonstrated how a science background can provide a valuable foundation for opportunities beyond traditional laboratory and research careers.

While their careers have taken them in very different directions, the alumni shared a common message: a science degree provides a strong foundation, but graduates also need to develop the skills and adaptability to apply their knowledge in the workplace.

The formal session concluded with the presentation of tokens of appreciation, followed by an informal networking session where students and alumni had the opportunity to continue conversations, ask questions and connect over light refreshments.

The event brought together students and alumni from all Science courses, providing them with an opportunity to hear directly from graduates who have taken their science qualifications into diverse professional fields.

Through initiatives such as this alumni talk, the School of Science continues to strengthen connections between its students and alumni, helping students gain a broader understanding of the possibilities that can follow a science degree and encouraging them to approach their future careers with curiosity, confidence and an open mind.