Meet Alex, a 27-year-old graduate student in biological engineering at the University of Waterloo. Growing up in a tech-savvy family, Alex always had a passion for STEM but also a pragmatic side instilled from their entrepreneurial parents. Currently juggling lab work and research, Alex often reflects on their decision to pursue grad school, contemplating the value of a degree versus immediate industry employment. With friends thriving in high-paying jobs, Alex is exploring how their advanced knowledge can be leveraged for a fulfilling career without extending their time in academia.