Rethinking the master's degree - Two success stories

Two success stories

Sherry Girton Shapiro writes:
The Industrial Graduate Fellowship program at Stevens not only gave me the quality education I needed to enter the competitive pharmaceutical research industry, but also insight into the industry to make me confident about my career choice. The public speaking skills and self-confidence I gained proved to be one of the most valuable parts of my education.

The fellowship allowed me to undertake industrial (rather than only academic) research. Before I got the fellowship, I attended Stevens part-time while holding down a full-time job. The fellowship provided financial support so I could pursue my degree on a full-time basis. The fellowship program promised the near certainty that a research position would be available for me at Schering-Plough after I completed my degree.

My summer research was not closely related to my M.S. thesis work at Stevens. Fortunately, the work I did at Schering-Plough was published, so confidentiality was not a major concern. I was able to combine my research at Schering-Plough and my work at Stevens into my thesis.

When I went for job interviews, being a Schering-Plough fellow gave me added confidence, and I believe it gave me an advantage. I had other job offers; however, it was an easy choice to work at Schering-Plough because of my summer internship. The transition into the company was comfortable because of my earlier association with the employees, and I was able to start my work and be productive from almost the first day.

After a year at my job, I recognize the value of my summer internship even more. Working on drug discovery in an advanced research setting is exciting. The pharmaceutical industry provides intellectual stimulation and a friendly workplace. I believe that my career choice has been correct.

Magaly Huarotte writes:

I had never worked in an industrial laboratory before I went to Merck for my summer research training. Coming from an industrially underdeveloped South American country, I had the notion that the research laboratory would be like a busy corner in a large factory setting. What a surprise it was when I was sent to a spacious laboratory with all kinds of equipment and devices and access to advanced instruments. I was told that I could get anything I needed just for the asking.

I was assigned a mentor and introduced to our group leader. My mentor was very cooperative and ready to help. The group leader was also available for discussions.

I worked in the medicinal chemistry section. Laboratories devoted to drug discovery occupied the whole floor of the building. I was encouraged to go to other rooms and talk to other chemists. Every month, there were oral presentations, and I learned about various projects. I, too, had to make presentations and discuss my progress. My co-workers were all supportive, and that was very comforting for this novice.

I am almost finished with my laboratory work at Stevens. I have presented some of my work orally at the annual meeting of the New Jersey Academy of Science. I am a co-author of a paper that was presented as a poster at this year’s Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting of ACS. I am planning to publish one chapter of my thesis in a major organic chemistry journal. No matter where I go to work, my research publications are tangible evidence of my training.

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	Rethinking the master's degree
	Two success stories Sherry Girton Shapiro writes: The Industrial Graduate Fellowship program at Stevens not only gave me the quality education I needed to enter the competitive pharmaceutical research industry, but also insight into the industry to make me confident about my career choice. The public speaking skills and self-confidence I gained proved to be one of the most valuable parts of my education. The fellowship allowed me to undertake industrial (rather than only academic) research. Before I got the fellowship, I attended Stevens part-time while holding down a full-time job. The fellowship provided financial support so I could pursue my degree on a full-time basis. The fellowship program promised the near certainty that a research position would be available for me at Schering-Plough after I completed my degree. My summer research was not closely related to my M.S. thesis work at Stevens. Fortunately, the work I did at Schering-Plough was published, so confidentiality was not a major concern. I was able to combine my research at Schering-Plough and my work at Stevens into my thesis. When I went for job interviews, being a Schering-Plough fellow gave me added confidence, and I believe it gave me an advantage. I had other job offers; however, it was an easy choice to work at Schering-Plough because of my summer internship. The transition into the company was comfortable because of my earlier association with the employees, and I was able to start my work and be productive from almost the first day. After a year at my job, I recognize the value of my summer internship even more. Working on drug discovery in an advanced research setting is exciting. The pharmaceutical industry provides intellectual stimulation and a friendly workplace. I believe that my career choice has been correct. Magaly Huarotte writes: I had never worked in an industrial laboratory before I went to Merck for my summer research training. Coming from an industrially underdeveloped South American country, I had the notion that the research laboratory would be like a busy corner in a large factory setting. What a surprise it was when I was sent to a spacious laboratory with all kinds of equipment and devices and access to advanced instruments. I was told that I could get anything I needed just for the asking. I was assigned a mentor and introduced to our group leader. My mentor was very cooperative and ready to help. The group leader was also available for discussions. I worked in the medicinal chemistry section. Laboratories devoted to drug discovery occupied the whole floor of the building. I was encouraged to go to other rooms and talk to other chemists. Every month, there were oral presentations, and I learned about various projects. I, too, had to make presentations and discuss my progress. My co-workers were all supportive, and that was very comforting for this novice. I am almost finished with my laboratory work at Stevens. I have presented some of my work orally at the annual meeting of the New Jersey Academy of Science. I am a co-author of a paper that was presented as a poster at this year’s Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting of ACS. I am planning to publish one chapter of my thesis in a major organic chemistry journal. No matter where I go to work, my research publications are tangible evidence of my training.
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