SOSS Industry Networking – Postgraduate Series
By Amos Tai (BSocSc Class of 2022)
Pursuing postgraduate studies is one of those conversation topics that undergraduates may discuss with interest and keen consideration, however, know next to nothing about. Among my personal acquaintances, I find this to be true, especially so for students from the School of Social Sciences (SOSS).
The SOSS Industry Networking Night which took place on 12 September 2019 served to shed some light on this unfamiliar subject of interest. The panel, moderated by Professor Ivy Lau, included alumni from a broad range of disciplines who had something to share for every student thinking about postgraduate studies. For those still pondering over it, the discussion realistically set expectations straight regarding the intensity of pursing a postgraduate degree and gave valuable insight into the important factors to take into consideration before deciding to embark on this journey. For those who had already made that decision, the discussion provided many practical bits of advice on how to plan out a journey for postgraduate study. To sum an important learning point for the night, for those worried about not being “cut out” for postgraduate studies, being accepted for a course hinges upon these things: demonstrating that you will be successful in the program, that you can contribute to the cohort, and your experience. As Professor Ivy rightly put, “It pays to accumulate… experience.”
From understanding the general nuances between postgraduate courses in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and locally in Singapore, down to the nitty-gritty of how best to choose an advisor to support you over the course of your studies, the SOSS Industry Networking Night showcased what it means to ‘stand on the shoulders of giants’. On behalf of the students who have benefitted, we would like to thank the alumni for taking the time to come down and share their experiences with us. The wealth of experience of our alumni and their willingness to give back to the institute which nurtured them remains a hallmark of SOSS and that culture is one which I am grateful for and hope to see continue in the generations to come.
