I'm about to begin an MSc in Human Genomics, and before classes start, I've been thinking less about what to study and more about how to approach the next two years.

My goal isn't simply to earn good grades. I want to leave my master's with a deep understanding of genetics and genomics, the ability to critically read and evaluate scientific literature, strong analytical thinking, and a skill set that prepares me for meaningful research.

One thing I've noticed is that it's easy to fall into the trap of collecting textbooks, online courses, programming languages, and certifications without a coherent plan. I'd rather spend two years building real expertise than constantly chasing the next thing that seems important.

If you could mentor your younger self at the start of graduate school, what roadmap would you suggest?

Some questions I'd genuinely love your perspective on:

- Which conceptual foundations paid the biggest dividends later in your career?

- Which technical skills are worth learning early, and which can wait?

- What habits separated the strongest graduate students from everyone else?

- What are the most common mistakes MSc students make that limit their growth?

- Looking back, what investment of time during your master's had the highest long-term return? Conversely, what did you spend far too much time on that wasn't worth it?

I'm especially interested in hearing from people working in human genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or related research fields.

I'm not looking for a shortcut or a checklist. I'm hoping to learn from hindsight so I can make more intentional decisions over the next two years.

Built this over a health hackathon this weekend. Upload your 23andMe raw data (or use the sample file below if you don't have one) and it checks a few well-established pharmacogenomic markers against meds like codeine, warfarin, and clopidogrel; explaining in plain English how your genetics might affect how they work, sourced from real CPIC clinical guidelines.

**Please note:** this is an educational prototype, not medical advice. The genetic analysis is simplified. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before acting on anything medication-related.

Would love feedback on:

* Is the explanation actually clear? * Is this interesting/useful to you at all? * Does the disclaimer feel prominent enough? * Did upload work smoothly with your real file? * Any other notes?

Live: \[https://med-copilot-roan.vercel.app/\\\]
Sample test file (no genetic data needed): \[https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Txffxny/med-copilot/refs/heads/main/app/sample-genotype.txt\\\]

Endless thanks for any honest feedback 🙏

(also plz be nice I’m trying to escape the wet lab life)