3 answers
Wajee
Student
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
3
Questions
Updated
1359 views
How can I structure my next steps in a way that builds a strong, scholarship-worthy profile?
I’m a Biochemistry graduate with a strong interest in applying for Master's programs abroad. I have basic hands-on experience with fundamental biochemical techniques such as PCR, DNA extraction, and gel electrophoresis. However, I’m looking to strengthen my academic and professional profile to increase my chances of securing scholarships.
I’ve completed several online courses through platforms like Coursera, but since I opted for the free versions, I don’t have certificates to show for them. I would appreciate guidance on:
What specific skills (lab-based or computational) I should focus on improving?
Are there any online internships or volunteer projects I can apply to that are relevant to biochemistry or bioinformatics?
Where can I find internships in Islamabad, especially ones considered relevant to my field?
How can I structure my next steps in a way that builds a strong, scholarship-worthy profile?
I’ve previously completed an internship in the biology department of a university in Islamabad, and I’m eager to take on further experiences that can help me grow in the research and academic space.
I’d be truly grateful for any advice, resources, or structured pathway you can suggest.
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3 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
To strengthen your scholarship profile, you may need to focus on three key areas:
First, boost your skills by learning computational tools like Python or R, and advanced lab techniques.
Second, get verifiable experience by paying for certificates from your online courses and seeking internships. You should reach out to university research labs or local biotech companies for hands-on opportunities. These experiences are vital for showing your dedication.
Finally, write a compelling story with your application. Use your resume and personal statement to connect all your past experiences to your future goals. This proves you are a dedicated candidate ready for a Master's program and deserving of a scholarship.
First, boost your skills by learning computational tools like Python or R, and advanced lab techniques.
Second, get verifiable experience by paying for certificates from your online courses and seeking internships. You should reach out to university research labs or local biotech companies for hands-on opportunities. These experiences are vital for showing your dedication.
Finally, write a compelling story with your application. Use your resume and personal statement to connect all your past experiences to your future goals. This proves you are a dedicated candidate ready for a Master's program and deserving of a scholarship.
veronica fuentes
Agent, customer service
6
Answers
Alajuela, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Updated
veronica’s Answer
Hello Wajee,
To stand out in Master’s scholarship applications, (especially abroad) you'll need both practical lab skills and computational-analytical skills.
You're in a great position, smart, motivated, and already thinking strategically. Focus on building depth in your interests (like genomics or pharmacology), visible impact (public profiles, GitHub, or LinkedIn), and professional connections (mentors or alumni).
Finding In-Person Internships in Islamabad :
• Local Universities: Reach out to professors at Quaid-i-Azam University, COMSATS, NUST, or NUML for lab assistant roles or research volunteering.
• R&D Organizations: Pakistan Science Foundation, NIH Pakistan, or PCSIR often post short-term research openings.
• Hospital Labs: Research or pathology labs affiliated with hospitals like Shifa International might offer structured programs.
Don't underestimate the power of persistence and visibility. Email professors, publish your learning journey, and keep track of every small achievement. These are the stories that win scholarships.
Hope this information was helpful, good luck!
Vero.
To stand out in Master’s scholarship applications, (especially abroad) you'll need both practical lab skills and computational-analytical skills.
You're in a great position, smart, motivated, and already thinking strategically. Focus on building depth in your interests (like genomics or pharmacology), visible impact (public profiles, GitHub, or LinkedIn), and professional connections (mentors or alumni).
Finding In-Person Internships in Islamabad :
• Local Universities: Reach out to professors at Quaid-i-Azam University, COMSATS, NUST, or NUML for lab assistant roles or research volunteering.
• R&D Organizations: Pakistan Science Foundation, NIH Pakistan, or PCSIR often post short-term research openings.
• Hospital Labs: Research or pathology labs affiliated with hospitals like Shifa International might offer structured programs.
Don't underestimate the power of persistence and visibility. Email professors, publish your learning journey, and keep track of every small achievement. These are the stories that win scholarships.
Hope this information was helpful, good luck!
Vero.
Thank you so much Veronica for this kind and thoughtful message! I’ve done a couple of internships at local universities, but I was feeling unsure about what direction to take next. Thanks to your guidance, I now feel R&D and hospital labs are the way to go
Wajee
Karthick Natarajan
Postdoctoral Researcher at NYU Langone Health
32
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Karthick’s Answer
Hello,
Here's a simple way to enhance your profile in a short time. It might not be perfect, but it can guide your planning.
The 6-Month Scholarship Profile Plan
Phase 1: Enhance Key Skills (Months 1-2)
1. Computational Skills (Choose one to master):
- Python with Biopython/Pandas: Focus on practical use rather than just learning syntax. Work with a public dataset, like those from NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus, to achieve a goal such as identifying differentially expressed genes.
- R for Data Visualization: Use the ggplot2 library to create high-quality plots from biological data.
2. Lab-Based Skills: Basic lab skills are just the start. Gain experience in a specific workflow by seeking opportunities in labs that specialize in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing or recombinant protein expression and purification.
Phase 2: Showcase Your Work (Months 3-4)
Create a portfolio to demonstrate your skills since online certificates alone may not hold much weight.
1. Build a GitHub Project: Treat this like an online internship. Use the dataset from Phase 1, document your code, visualize your results, and summarize the biological question you addressed. A well-documented GitHub repository is more impressive than an unverified online course certificate.
2. Find Internships in Islamabad:
- Look for opportunities with Principal Investigators (PIs) whose research interests align with yours at places like the National Institute of Health (NIH), Aga Khan University Hospital's research labs, and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital's research center.
- Send a concise, professional email, including a link to your GitHub project to show your initiative and skills.
Phase 3: Tell Your Story (Months 5-6)
Update your CV and Statement of Purpose (SOP) to highlight your new skills.
1. On your CV:
- Instead of: "Online course in Python."
- Write: "Project: Analyzed a public RNA-seq dataset (GEO: XXXXX) using Python to identify key gene targets in [disease]."
2. In your SOP:
- Share your journey: "Building on my foundational biochemistry skills, I independently mastered computational tools to analyze complex genomic data. For example, in a personal project, I... This experience prepared me to contribute meaningfully to your lab's work on..."
Here's a simple way to enhance your profile in a short time. It might not be perfect, but it can guide your planning.
The 6-Month Scholarship Profile Plan
Phase 1: Enhance Key Skills (Months 1-2)
1. Computational Skills (Choose one to master):
- Python with Biopython/Pandas: Focus on practical use rather than just learning syntax. Work with a public dataset, like those from NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus, to achieve a goal such as identifying differentially expressed genes.
- R for Data Visualization: Use the ggplot2 library to create high-quality plots from biological data.
2. Lab-Based Skills: Basic lab skills are just the start. Gain experience in a specific workflow by seeking opportunities in labs that specialize in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing or recombinant protein expression and purification.
Phase 2: Showcase Your Work (Months 3-4)
Create a portfolio to demonstrate your skills since online certificates alone may not hold much weight.
1. Build a GitHub Project: Treat this like an online internship. Use the dataset from Phase 1, document your code, visualize your results, and summarize the biological question you addressed. A well-documented GitHub repository is more impressive than an unverified online course certificate.
2. Find Internships in Islamabad:
- Look for opportunities with Principal Investigators (PIs) whose research interests align with yours at places like the National Institute of Health (NIH), Aga Khan University Hospital's research labs, and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital's research center.
- Send a concise, professional email, including a link to your GitHub project to show your initiative and skills.
Phase 3: Tell Your Story (Months 5-6)
Update your CV and Statement of Purpose (SOP) to highlight your new skills.
1. On your CV:
- Instead of: "Online course in Python."
- Write: "Project: Analyzed a public RNA-seq dataset (GEO: XXXXX) using Python to identify key gene targets in [disease]."
2. In your SOP:
- Share your journey: "Building on my foundational biochemistry skills, I independently mastered computational tools to analyze complex genomic data. For example, in a personal project, I... This experience prepared me to contribute meaningfully to your lab's work on..."