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Five tips for amplifying your postgrad experience

How Jennifer Huynh found her voice through professional development
July 19, 2016
Jennifer Huynh

Jennifer Huynh is a current graduate student at The Koivisto Lab for Advanced Solar Design & Innovation.

Jennifer Huynh chose to pursue her master's in molecular science at Ryerson because she gets to connect with recognized leaders in science. Her current research in The Koivisto Lab for Advanced Solar Design & Innovation allows her to work alongside Professor Bryan Koivisto (Department of Chemistry and Biology) to develop next-generation solar technologies that mimic photosynthesis. They are working on transparent solar panels that can take the place of windows, gathering energy to power buildings.

Huynh credits the following five strategies for helping her professional development:

1. Learn to network

Koivisto asked Huynh early on in her graduate studies, what her five-year plan was and encouraged her to immerse herself in experiences that were out of her comfort zone. As a shy, independent student, Huynh knew that networking was not her strong suit and she needed to get involved and connect with industry. She took his advice seriously and became a member of the Chemical Institute of Canada (external link) , Toronto section. Huynh volunteers as the communications officer for the organization, attending monthly meetings, supporting their social media accounts and participating at events and career fairs. She has learned to engage with industry professionals, and gained the confidence to bring her ideas forward.

2. Support your peers

Koivisto's lab is made up of five graduate students and three research associates at the undergraduate level. Each graduate student in the lab is working on independent projects, but each member supports the goals of the lab as a whole. "We have built a supportive culture where we conquer challenges and problems as a group, and take the time to teach and welcome the undergraduate members," said Huynh. "Learning to collaborate and work as a team has been an integral part of my professional development."

3. Volunteer and give back to your community

Huynh began volunteering in Koivisto's lab in the Faculty of Science while she was completing her undergraduate degree in chemistry. Though it was intimidating initially, she began shadowing a graduate student at the lab and became familiar with the environment, what her role entailed and the members who were involved. "Working in a research lab has helped me apply what I learned in lecture and build on my technical and soft skills," said Huynh. "I've learned how to work with different people, at different stages in their postsecondary careers and how to work towards one common goal." This experience in the lab was what empowered Huynh to pursue her master's degree at Ryerson.

4. Find a mentor

Koivisto is part of Huynh’s supervisory committee and is a firm believer in professional development. He has provided mentorship – academic and industry related – to help Huynh find professional success after she graduates. Without being prescriptive, he has helped guide Huynh to identify her own path and believe in her research and ideas.

5. Share the knowledge

Huynh is also a teaching assistant for the Faculty of Science, which she credits as being a great learning experience. Although she does not see herself teaching in the future, the experience has improved her interpersonal skills and public speaking. "I had to learn how to explain key scientific concepts to a group of students, all very close in age to myself," said Huynh. "It was difficult at first to deliver the curriculum in an engaging way, but it was incredibly satisfying when the students began to connect theory with what they were learning in the lab experiments."

Whether undergraduate or graduate, Ryerson is a firm believer in providing exceptional experiences for our students to build thriving careers in today’s knowledge economy. These five learning experiences have helped shape Huynh into the young professional that she is today. “Look outside the classroom and be prepared for the unexpected,” said Huynh. “The opportunities are endless, if you seek out challenges and pursue them.”

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