My Chemistry — NOC Stockholm Experience
One month after coming back from NUS Overseas College in Sweden, I was asked to share my experience in Stockholm at the Essentials for Year 1 Chemistry talk. During my one year stint in the capital of Scandinavia, I was granted an opportunity to work in Cellutech, a startup that works along the mission to commercialize wood-based materials research that contributes to a sustainable world. Being a Chemistry student, it was tough to imagine myself as a Chemistry entrepreneur…
The typical story of how a bright young person has a great idea, grab some friends along, starts something in their basement, and they got started overnight… it doesn’t quite work that way for Chemists. Rather, it’s a very complicated process. A chemist with the idea needs to think about what kind of product it will create, apply for patents, and figure out how they’re going to cover the costs. VCs are not keen to invest in those because their time and space is limited. Why would VCs spend more efforts on a high risk and capital science-oriented startup when there’s probably a truck load of money to be made from apps?
Ultimately, the best way to learn is by getting your hands dirty and jump into it. I knew that working for a startup and learning the ropes of how to start a science-oriented company will be the best for me. Thus, I was intrigued by NOC programme and realising how challenging and prestigious it is, makes me even more excited for it. Surely, 4 rounds of interview that dragged across 1.5 years was a long drawn affair but…
“All good things are worth fighting and waiting for.”
1. Work
Working in Cellutech was an eye opening experience, to be surrounded by driven and like-minded people around me like my colleagues. This opportunity to build your global network through your colleagues, classes, networking events is probably one of my most important gains for the year which I think will be very important for the future. At Cellutech, I did not feel like I was treated as an intern, but like a full time employee. Surely, I got to learn the basis of how to run a science-oriented startup and more importantly, what should I do to start my own.
Being given the full responsibility to spearhead a research project named Magnetic Celluose allowed me to learn several soft skills like self-responsibility, time management and practical laboratory skills. The objective of this research project is to develop working knowledge over this new material and bring it one step closer to commercialization in the market. The ownership in the project empowered me and I was able to see my efforts translate to result which is incredibly meaningful and satisfying for me.
2. Study
Before you forget that in this programme, you are going to be a part-time student so yes, there’s still assignments; presentations; optional chemistry modules; project meetings… And something interesting here is that in Sweden, all bachelors modules are taught in Swedish, as such, the modules are all Master’s level for NOC students (we didn’t had a choice… but it’s totally manageable)
3. Travelling
Of course, All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Traveling is part of the package too.
Being in Stockholm, also known as the capital of Scandinavia, means that you are in a strategic spot to travel around Europe. You will get to experience 4 seasons, many nature spots to relax yourself, visit an array of world’s most fascinating UNESCO sites. Every flight out of Stockholm is only 2/3hours and it can cost around 100–200sgd for a return flight so it’s totally affordable to travel around.
And this is the end of the short summary of my 1 year experience… there’s just so much more to share but I shall keep those to the next posts.
All in all, I sincerely urge you to consider a student exchange program or any overseas opportunities that arise. Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes, from short study tours as part of a subject, summer or winter schools to a full semester or year completed abroad. The overseas study will give you the opportunity to travel, experience a different way of life and make new friends from all around the world. If you choose to study in a non-English-speaking country (like Sweden ☺), you can also expand your language skills. Of course, this is also a valuable opportunity to add life experience to your resume, something that many employers value from graduates straight out of university.
Although it may sound daunting, the beginning is always the hardest. I’m sure you wouldn’t regret from trying again and again for something you really desire.
I promise that university life will be exactly the way you want it. Only if you think and act. :)
/Shuxin
