How to make the most of being a Postgraduate student at UNSW
STUDENT INTERVIEWS
By your 2021 Postgraduate Council representatives
Diana Zhang PhD candidate in Chemistry and Jerry Offor PhD Candidate in Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences
What was you first day as a PG student at UNSW like?
JO: It was the first of countless opportunities l had to immerse myself into UNSW’s vibrant student life as a PhD student and to start making the most of UNSW’s student experience. This was also one of the most exciting moments stepping into UNSW as a fresh Master’s graduate to meet and start working alongside some of the world’s brightest and most accomplished academics to kickstart my journey of translating my theory-driven research to the real world.
DZ: Having experienced research through my Honours degrees, I was already familiar with what life would be like as a PG student. But there’s something exciting about doing a PG degree – I was in control of my PhD research and ability to work at my own pace.
How did you connect with other PG students when you started at UNSW?
JO & DZ: As Scientia PhD Scholars, we were fortunate to meet other scholars in the cohort. We also made the most of connecting with other HDR students in our School and Faculty through various School seminars, social get together and mutual interests and hobbies.
Describe the PG community at UNSW
DZ & JO: The PG community is one of the foundational pillars behind UNSW’s rise to global recognition and what makes our student experience so memorable. We are comprised of a diverse group of people – ranging from onshore and offshore international students, mature-age and part-time students, Masters and HDR students just to name a few.
How can I meet and network with other postgrads?
DZ & JO: One of the best ways to meet other PG students is through the Postgraduate Council as well as through your School and Faculty level social groups and Arc societies. The Postgraduate Council organises different events and programs throughout the year
What is the PGC?
DZ & JO: The Postgraduate Council is a democratically elected student body that oversees concerns, issues, and the general well-being of UNSW PG students.
What does PGC offer?
DZ & JO: PGC’s core mission is founded on three main values: advocacy, engagement, and support. For example, PGC represents the voices of postgraduate students at different University levels, organises flagship university-events that foster community building and support professional development and are the first point-of-contact if PG students have issues with their coursework or research.
How did you get involved with PGC?
JO: l joined the Postgraduate Council as a Research Students Officer in my first year of PhD and never looked back. Giving back to the community has been my top priority as l’m now the President of PGC, and l try to get involved with everything. So far, I’ve loved every minute of it as I’m always acting in the best interest of students.
DZ: As a UNSW veteran student for over 8 years, I wanted to give back to a university that has given me so much. I knew that the Postgraduate Council was the best way for me to serve my fellow PG students as they are at the forefront of policy-making, support systems, and student engagement.
How can PG students who are currently based overseas get involved with the UNSW PG community?
DZ: PGC is for all PG students whether onshore or offshore. PGC currently has a wide range of initiatives that cater for offshore postgraduate students including and are not limited to: Facebook group for offshore postgraduates, LinkedIn group for postgraduate students, as well as regular virtual podcasts, educational seminars, and networking events to increase connectivity. These events can be found through the PGC Facebook and Instagram page as well as in the monthly PGC newsletter which goes out to all Arc-registered students.
And what about if you’re based onshore?
JO: In addition to what is offered for offshore PGs, PGC hosts a range of in-person events including regular postgraduate pub nights, coffee catch ups, and educational workshops. PGC also holds flagship events including Tell Me Your Story cultural conference, Arc PGC Ambassador and Course Coordinator of the Year Awards, and Arc PGC Research Student and Supervisor Awards. For those who’d like to join PGC, we have several PGC Committees which directly support the function of PGC with more information found on the PGC website. Moreover, there is a newly renovated postgraduate lounge next to Arc Reception and can be accessed by all postgraduate students. The Lounge is a comfortable and relaxing space, that is fully stocked with a Nespresso coffee machine. It is truly a home away from home where postgraduate students can also use as a meeting point to network with one another and make new long-life friends.
What will you be doing when you finish at UNSW?
JO: My major goal after finishing my PhD is proceed to a Postdoctoral position and become a lead in biotechnology and computational science as well as contributing to helping the society at large with my expertise.
DZ: My primary goal is to be a STEM leader and to provide research-based solutions that will better the world we live in and our future generations.
What is your top tip for commencing PG students?
JO: Set high personal and academic standards for yourself and live up to them. Get to know a wide range of people be it faculty, staff, and fellow students. Networking is so important, use your acquaintances to your advantage, but don’t take advantage of them. Finally take advantage of UNSW’s vibrant community and make yourself a well-rounded person.
DZ: Be curious. A PG degree can be the most exciting time of your life. Make the most of your time meeting new people, being involved in causes that you’re passionate about, and enjoying what UNSW’s vibrant student life has to offer.
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