Learning From Experience
Driven by a deep interest in health economics, Dr. Shweta Mital’s journey brought her to Memorial University. In St. John’s, she found a welcoming community and a customized PhD program that combined her background in economics with her vision for a more cost-effective health-care system.
Where are you originally from?
I am from India.
Why did you choose Memorial for graduate studies?
I knew that I wanted to pursue a PhD in health economics. Memorial gave me the opportunity to customize a PhD program that strategically built on my existing training to align with my future research goals. My coursework was aligned with my previous training as an economist and researcher. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to be supervised by a leading health economist and Canada Research Chair who was strongly committed to preparing me for an impactful academic career.
What was your degree program and area of specialization?
I pursued my PhD in the School of Pharmacy, and my area of specialization was health economics.
How would you describe your experience as a graduate student at Memorial?
My graduate experience at Memorial was enriching, fulfilling and truly memorable! I had lived and studied/worked in three different countries before moving to St. John’s, Canada. Yet, I quickly settled into the welcoming and friendly city. While the graduate program involved hard work and, at times, it seemed research was all that I lived for and loved, it was indeed gratifying. I got the opportunity to be involved in various research projects, which was a great learning experience. I enjoyed the stimulating research discussions with my supervisor and the interesting, thought-provoking graduate seminar presentations by fellow graduate students.
I should mention that my graduate experience would not have been as fascinating without the several wonderful friends that I made while staying at the university’s Signal Hill Campus accommodations. The residence was a melting pot of students from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and the experience of interacting with and learning from one another was very enriching.
Aside from research that I was always passionate about, I thoroughly enjoyed the hiking trails that St. John’s offered. Not to forget the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean that I enjoyed every single day living at the Signal Hill Campus accommodations!
What were some of your accomplishments during your graduate degree?
One of the main highlights of my PhD was the fact that I completed my degree in just over three years into the program. Within this short span, I had the opportunity to publish six research papers in high-impact journals, five of them first-authored. In particular, my very first first-authored paper was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (a highly ranked journal with an impact factor >10), which was very encouraging. I was fortunate to receive the Fellow of the School of Graduate Studies award in recognition of my academic achievements.
What are you doing now after having graduated with your PhD?
After graduating, I worked as a postdoctoral fellow for almost two years. In January last year, I secured a tenure-track faculty position in Pharmacoeconomics at the College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba.
Did you get a job directly after graduating?
Yes, I got the postdoctoral fellow position immediately after graduation.
How did your graduate program help prepare you for your current job?
A few weeks ago, a colleague asked me how I was finding my new position, adding that the practical skills that new faculty need are rarely taught in graduate school. At that moment, I reflected and felt extremely grateful for how unique my graduate and postdoctoral training was. It gave me exactly what I need and use every single day in my present position - from the ability to identify the most interesting and pertinent research questions to the art of grant writing, teaching and coordinating courses, and the skill of communicating effectively with colleagues and students – I learnt it all. These were skills that no textbook would have given me.
How did Memorial help to get you where you are today?
I owe my present position to the excellent training, strong mentorship and support that I got from the faculty at the School of Pharmacy. During my time at Memorial, I got the opportunity to collaborate with experts in the field from which I continue to benefit to the present day.
What advice do you have for current and/or future graduate students?
There will be times when the graduate journey might seem daunting. Embrace the challenges, focus on your goals, and keep working hard to reach the summit. As you trek towards the summit, don’t forget to enjoy the scenic hike along the way (quite literally, given you are in St. John’s).