Sajal Tyagi, 7 February, 2024
It’s okay not to know which uni course to study. Current pharmacy student, Sajal Tyagi started in a different degree before finding his dream course.
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I was originally studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Science and realised that this was personally not the degree for me. So, I reapplied at the end of the year through QTAC and got offered pharmacy. I originally wanted to switch to paramedic science. I chose pharmacy because I thought I could to use this degree to switch into paramedicine at QUT.
When I started studying pharmacy this year I realised there was so much more that goes into pharmacy than what I had thought. I loved studying this course so much that I decided this will be the degree and career pathway for me.
What is it like to switch to a new university, with a new campus?
I was very upset to leave my previous uni as I had loved the campus so much, but once I started studying at QUT I knew that this was where I belonged and instantly fell in love with everything it had to offer. I treat QUT as my second home and have made so many good friends. I really enjoy catching up with my friends, studying on this amazing campus, and attending all the classes as I get a real hands-on experience which is really beneficial for my future.
How do you make friends at uni?
The best way I had for making friends was attending all my in-person classes. Just starting a conversation with the other people around me because chances are they don’t know anyone either and are looking to make friends too. Ask them to go grab lunch in between classes and maybe even catch up during the weekends to study together and even hang out and do something fun. Talking to someone you don’t know can be very scary but once I had overcome my fear, I had made so many friends some of whom I hang out with nearly every day of the week now.
What is your best tip for surviving uni?
My biggest tip for succeeding and thriving at university is time management. Managing your work, personal, and university life is such a crucial aspect to thrive on a day-to-day basis. Creating a timetable or even organising what days you will be attending classes, studying, working, and having personal time is the best way to ensure you stay happy, healthy, and on top of all your study to ensure you are not stressed before exam time and don’t have to squeeze everything in on the last minute. Not everything will go to plan because unexpected things happen last-minute but, ensuring you have a great timetable organisation will make life a lot easier for you.
What is it like studying pharmacy at QUT?
I have loved studying in my practical lab classes which really immerse me in an amazing environment which makes learning so much fun. This semester I am studying a course called Molecules to Medicines and a crucial part of this unit are the lab practicals. We have learnt to make many different types of medications such as hand creams, ointments, and oral medications during these lab classes. I have enjoyed these classes a lot and look forward to every week I have this class.
What opportunities do you have to see what it’s like to work as a pharmacist?
We have had an excursion to Mylan (company that makes pharmaceutical drugs) which was a great experience and was amazing to see how many medications are made on such a large industrial scale. My pharmacy placements start in my second year but I expect to be immersed in an environment where I will be challenged, and have my knowledge put to the test.
I’ve been assured that everyone at your placements is there to help you become the best you can be and are there to assist you in having the best future possible. Placements are a way where you can make mistakes and learn under a registered professional and is also an amazing way of making many industry connections.
What advice give someone choosing a university course?
Follow what makes you passionate. Taking the Match My Skills quiz on the QUT website is a great way to find out study pathways which could be great for you. Looking at additional units and courses within the degree to find out what subjects you will be studying is a great way to find out which degree is the best for you and what subjects you should consider choosing in high school.
