Jessica knew exactly what she wanted from university: a degree that would bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application. As an international student starting her Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (Advanced Honours), she wasn't looking for prestige – she was seeking an education that would prepare her to make a genuine impact in an industry that directly affects people's lives.

"What I enjoy most about the Pharmaceutical Science course is its well-designed and structured curriculum. It starts with fundamental physiology and chemistry, providing a strong foundation, and then gradually delves into specialised areas of the drug development pipeline. By the time we reach the honours year, the focus becomes even more specialised, allowing us to explore a niche topic that truly interests us."

From her very first unit, Jessica found herself being exposed to experiments and examining real pharmaceutical case studies. This hands-on approach transformed what could have been abstract concepts into real-world scenarios, building toward a meaningful career in an industry that directly impacts people's lives.

Beyond the classroom: Jessica's placement experience

A standout experience was definitely the placement opportunities offered. "It was eye-opening and very informative and gave great insights into our career progression. We get to work with industry pioneers and obtain hands-on experience, not only in a lab but in the social and research setting."

As part of her third-year studies, Jessica undertook internships at Ego Pharmaceuticals and the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS). She was also involved in the TeamWork internship program to provide a solution for the marketing of a pharmacy recruitment platform.

These placements gave her a chance to explore both industry and research settings. At Ego Pharmaceuticals, known for products like QV and Sunsense, she worked in the Quality Control department, developing methods for a brand-new analytical instrument and applying them to raw materials and product testing. She gained hands-on experience with how QC ensures products meet safety and quality standards. At MIPS, she joined the mRNA research group and worked on a project using fluorescent protein markers to optimise mRNA product manufacturing. "It was great exposure to one of the hottest research topics in pharmaceutical science."

"Although these were part of the course, we still went through competitive applications, interviews and CV reviews. My advice for students looking for similar opportunities? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Talk to your unit coordinators, tutors and people on LinkedIn - you’d be surprised how many are happy to help or offer a reference."

Standout teaching staff that shaped Jessica's academic journey

"I've been lucky to be surrounded by mentors who've supported me well beyond academics." Dr Laurence Orlando gave insight into the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries early on, which really helped her plan her career path. Others like Dr Nilushi Karunaratne and Dr Betty Exintaris were deeply passionate about improving the student experience and especially supportive of international students' wellbeing. Her honours supervisors, Professor Darren Creek and Dr Ghizal Siddiqui, made a huge difference – they guided her through a challenging year and continued to advocate for her professionally.

"Through the alumni mentoring program, I also connected with an industry mentor who has become a good friend and a constant source of guidance."

Jessica was nominated by her faculty to become a Stephen FitzGerald Scholar, where she represented the university and advocated for positive Australia-China relations, one of 30 students in Australia. She got to visit iconic institutions in Canberra for three days and meet politicians, High Court judges, climate change researchers, journalists etc. It was a huge honour and a proud moment for Jessica as an international student.

Transition from high school to uni as an international student

Even though Jessica had already lived in Australia for over four years by the time she started university, the transition from high school was still quite hard. University came with a steep learning curve – there was suddenly a lot more content to digest independently, and the types of assignments were completely different: lab reports, group projects, and presentations.

She was lucky to be based at the smaller Parkville campus, which had a relatively structured timetable. Still, socialising was a challenge at first – getting to know people from all over, including other international, interstate, and regional students, each with very different experiences.

Her biggest tip? "Go for the free food. Seriously! Whether it's a free donut or a lunch, attending events for the food takes the pressure off - you don't have to force yourself to socialise, but you often end up meeting great people anyway. Also, try volunteering. It starts small but can lead to surprising and meaningful experiences."

One skill she's particularly proud of developing is public speaking. "I was shaking and hyperventilating in my academic presentation in first year, but I had the guts to give a speech at a 200-people conference, and be on the panel at the Australian International Education Conference in my final year. I'm a big advocate of having diverse experiences that might not relate to your field of study."

Campus community at Parkville

Apart from the academic offerings, one of the best parts of studying at Monash is getting involved in the community. The Parkville community is small and tight-knit, which Jessica is grateful for. "One of my favourite things is how small and cosy Parkville campus is (though we could use a few more lunch options!). The small size means you quickly start recognising familiar faces, and it naturally fosters a close-knit community and a strong support network."

In the first two years of her course, students didn't get to choose electives, so Jessica had no choice but to get to know everyone in her cohort. "And honestly, I'm grateful for that. I've built friendships that last beyond the classroom." Programs like the student ambassador program, networking nights, and career expos made it easy to meet students from other years and courses.

One of the most valuable aspects of university is the diverse range of experiences it offers. As an international student, Jessica embraced opportunities such as internships, ambassadorships, and volunteering. From working as a pharmacy technician to interning as a chemist and taking on roles in student support and project management, these experiences taught her adaptability, problem-solving, and the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone.

Navigating the future after graduating

"Navigating the job market as an international graduate is tough. The ever-changing visa policies and the fact that some employers don't consider international candidates can be discouraging." Jessica felt that insecurity first-hand. The emotional stress and feelings of uncertainty can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, she continued working as a Research Assistant under her Honours supervisor, doing research she's passionate about. "What's helped me most has been the support from my supervisor, my friends and family, and most importantly, staying resilient. You have to keep showing up for yourself and believing that opportunities will come - because they do."

Advice to future students

"I've learned that the best opportunities are not always the most obvious ones – being open to new challenges often leads to unexpected growth and meaningful connections. By saying yes to different experiences, students can gain not only professional skills but also a deeper understanding of themselves and their potential.

Starting uni can feel overwhelming, but don't put pressure on yourself to socialise for intimidating reasons like 'I have to network' or 'I need to talk to professors.' Instead, think of it as 'I'm going to this event for free food' or 'I just want to check this out.' When you focus on small, fun reasons, you'll naturally meet people, have unexpected encounters, and build connections in a way that feels easy and genuine. Give yourself time, be open to new experiences, and trust that you'll find your people along the way!"