From science to storytelling

In a world where communication shapes perceptions and influences change, the role of public relations practitioner is more important than ever. Can science graduates make strides in this industry, which seems to be worlds apart? 

For Life Sciences graduate Janice Chiang, that’s a yes!  

As an Associate Director (Innovation) at global communications firm Waggener Edstrom Singapore (WE Communications), her career trajectory has taken her into a field which she did not train in.

However, through her science education, Janice says, “I have learned to constantly seek and adopt new ideas. This adaptability enabled me to embrace change and to thrive in a very fast-moving and dynamic work environment,” where no two days are the same.  

At WE, Janice is responsible for business development, and she seeks to develop new communications products and services, such as content creation workshops and solutions for organisations, to competitively position WE amongst its clients.  

Prior to WE, Janice co-founded one of Singapore's largest social media content creators, Tree Potatoes, where she scripted, acted, produced and edited its projects. The dramas she produced for Mediacorp have been nominated for international film awards.

How, then, does she bridge sciences and the arts? The transition was not without its challenges. However, science graduates possess an understanding of complex subjects, enabling them to translate intricate scientific concepts into engaging narratives. Janice’s ability to analyse and synthesise information to form coherent arguments has proven invaluable for her work in content creation and storytelling.

Janice plans to stay in the communications industry in the future and may venture into a public sector role “to expand my experiences.”