Student blogs

Congratulations to all those who have received their offer to one of Karolinska Institutet (KI)’s Master programme!! Perhaps you have already set your mind to coming here. If so, I welcome you to KI. On the other hand, this could be a moment where you have to make a choice: do you attend KI? Firstly, I recommend that you head to my blog from last year on questions to ask yourself at this fork in the road. Next, if you have been accepted into the Molecular Techniques in Life Sciences (MTLS) programme specifically, then you can continue reading here to learn about my own personal decision to choose the MTLS programme amongst other choices.

I was directly inspired by a past blogger’s post on reasons why they almost did not apply to KI. So, I felt that this was the perfect opportunity to offer some alternative perspectives on reasons why I almost did not choose to study this programme but ultimately did.

1) MTLS is a relatively broad programme

One of the first reasons why I almost did not choose this programme is the broad range of academic fields within the curriculum.  For instance, I was debating between MTLS and a programme focused on neuroscience in another school with a more directed curriculum on a singular field. Thus, if I approached MTLS, there would be instances where I would have to be examined in fields both beyond my expertise and intereest. Additionally, there is a concern about the lack of specialization.

However, I ultimately chose MTLS precisely for the new learning opportunities and the chance to broaden my experience. There is often confusion about what the name “Molecular Techniques in Life Science” truly entails. So, I can tell you that it is a programme that expands across all fields in Life Sciences with a heavy emphasis on computational techniques and bioinformatics and a minor emphasis on molecular technologies and research approaches in the laboratory. While you may not dive deep into a singular field, you are exposed to other fields of studies. Also, in your project and thesis you can choose to pursue your exact field of interest.

2) MTLS is a joint programme

Often the main pitch for the MTLS programme is the collaboration of the Stockholm Trio: KI, KTH and Stockholm University. There is some version of this statement you must have encountered before (I have even stated in my own blogs) — “You get to attend 3 universities!” If you remember going to a new school, there is always an adjustment period of finding new friends, navigating a new physical space, and decoding new school culture. Imagine that but multiplied by three in the span of 2 years. While there is excitement in meeting new people, establishing a sense of community was always important to me. If I am moving constantly, how do I feel grounded in each school given such a short timeframe?

Ultimately, I decided that the apprehension was outweighed by the access to opportunities the joint programme offered. Now that two years have almost gone by, I can also tell you realistically, the statement has not changed. It was indeed difficult to assimilate into three different universities. We take our classes primarily with our own programme and sometimes not even on a university campus (but rather SciLifeLab in Solna). Transitioning outside of the first semester is also hindered by the fact that there would be no activities designed for our unique situation.

Yet, not all hope is lost. I have met some amazing individuals in my programme. I also decided to apply for the Digital ambassadors to find a community in one of the Universities.

3) MTLS is a 2 year programme

A third reason why I almost did not choose this MTLS programme was the programme length. Have you ever calculated the years it could take to reach where you want to end up? Have you ever added the years of your schooling from Bachelors to Masters and a potential PhD? Despite the long years ahead of us in our lives, this particular moment of time where we consider a Master’s programme is often accompanied by a sense that time is a precious commodity. Aside from the existential restrictions, there could also be practical restrictons such as finance limitations and family obligations.

Despite such questions, it became one of the reasons why I actually did choose MTLS compared to a 1-year programme. I believed that the time assigned with the curriculum and research opportunities were more fitting. Instead of seeing time as a ticking clock of moments lost, I had the privilege to see time as a building block of moments to come.

4) Sweden is far from home

The final reason I almost did not choose MTLS had little to do with the programme itself. Choosing MTLS meant also choosing to move to Sweden, a new country in a new continent. It meant starting over in a place where I wouldn’t know anyone and be a foreigner to all its systems, its language and even its climate. It meant leaving my family, my support system, and all the little comforts of familiarity.

Yet, I believed in all the reasons I wanted to choose MTLS. So I had to change to the alternative perspective. Despite being far and foreign, Sweden gives me a chance to learn a new culture, meet people who will help me learn about myself and grow in adversity.

What choice will you make?

If you have noticed, all the reasons I presented to you for why I almost did not choose to attend the MTLS programme ultimately ended up being the reason I did choose to come. A singular fact has multiple facets and which side you choose to motivate your decision just depends on your priorities.

I hope that this blog has offered some clarity on thinking through this decision. If you have reached the same conclusions as me, then I’m sure that MTLS and KI are the right fit for you. And if you have any doubts about a singular reason that may be holding you back, let it be known that I did not choose to attend the MTLS programme because it was easy and natural. I chose it despite it being the opposite.