Graduate Opportunities

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Since graduating from University of Exeter in 2014 with a BSc Hons in Medical Science, I pursued a teaching career in Further and Higher Education. I started at University Centre Harlow during which I delivered Year 1 Human Anatomy and Physiology and Year 2 Principles of Genetics university modules as part of the Bioscience BSc (Hons) degree at Anglia Ruskin University. I was then awarded the National Heart and Lung Foundation Scholarship to attend Imperial College London to study an MSc in Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells; Novel Therapies. This was an excellent opportunity to specialise in gene and nucleic acid based therapies with expertise from world leaders in this field. My MSc project was based on aberrant cell-cell interaction at the cardiac intercalated disc and I was very fortunate to be co-supervised on this project. Following this, I devised and delivered an Anatomy and Physiology module and the Foundations in Biomedical Science module as part of the Extended BSc Degrees in Medical Science, Pharmaceutical Science and Nutrition at Anglia Ruskin University. With an interest in teaching, I continued my teaching portfolio at Harlow College and became the lead A Level Biology Teacher and Course Leader for the Access to Medicine Diploma. This involved designing, planning and preparing sessions to ensure teaching and learning maximised achievement and progression of students at the College. I was then promoted to a Learning Coordinator at Harlow College to lead and coordinate the internal verification process and I have also set up a coaching program for continual professional development of staff in the department. Alongside this role, I am also an External Moderator at The Cambridge Access Validating Agency. In this post, I independently conduct interim and end of year moderation for the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Veterinary Studies at Capel Manor College,London.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

My interest in the Education sector is rooted in my interest in continued learning and my passion for imparting my knowledge to students so that they may progress onto their chosen career paths. It is very rewarding to see the confidence and interest grow within students in a subject that I am teaching and this makes my job very unique and enjoyable.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I really enjoyed the problem-based learning as part of the Integrated Clinical Science module which spanned all years of the degree programme. This was an excellent opportunity to learn about anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology in a single case study as well as devise informative research questions to elucidate the underlying biological concepts that were being taught in the case study. I also liked the fact that we were encouraged to move out of our comfort zone and critically appraise scientific literature from different fields including genomics, microbiology, neuroscience and cardiovascular science. The biggest highlight of my degree was the opportunity to complete my Professional Training Year in a structural cardiovascular lab at Imperial College, during which I presented my research at national and international conferences and gained a realistic insight into cardiovascular research as well as gaining an extensive professional network.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Being able to be adaptable and flexible early in your career is a key skill for success later in your career. It provides a stepping stone to excel as it provides an opportunity to gain a network and meet like-minded individuals in your field. In addition to this, experiencing a variety of teaching positions in both Further and Higher Education has given me a true insight into which post I would most likely pursue in the Education sector in the future.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Use your degree programme as an opportunity to complete a placement year if this is possible. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable work experience as well as build useful contacts for a graduate level job when you successfully graduate from the University of Exeter. In order to embark on a teaching career, consider gaining work experience in a school or college to see if this is a setting which you could build a career in.

What are your plans for the future?

Broadly, I aim to expand my knowledge of both the Education and Healthcare sector and combine my knowledge and experiences in these two fields to advise organisations to optimise their procedures for improved outcomes.

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I am a final year student at the University of Exeter who recently secured a job at CP+R as a clinical exercise specialist, which I will begin in October.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I heard about this career through Career Zone! I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do, as Medical Science leaves many doors open for employment. After considering the idea of Medicine, I realised that I am not ready for this huge academic commitment at the moment, and perhaps it will be something to come back to in the future. Then I heard about the role as a Clinical Exercise Specialist at CP+R and it really stood out to me. We will deliver sustained, life-changing healthcare to CP+R athletes through monitored exercise sessions, nutritional guidance and lifestyle advice and support. I am very excited to start this role, and having met with the team via zoom meetings and visited the workplace on Harley Street, I can't wait to begin working with some of the athletes.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

The opportunity on our course to do a Professional Training Year, meant that I got to spend a year in Australia working in a laboratory at the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research. This was such a fantastic year, not only living in Brisbane, but also having it as part of my degree!

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

I signed up for the Career Mentor Scheme whilst I was in 3rd year which was invaluable to my career insight. Chris Moody was an excellent mentor and gave me a lot of help with my CV and cover letters, as well as providing some really fantastic insight into his work life. Also doing my placement year in Australia was invaluable to my career - so I would say take any opportunity that are given to you!

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Not to be cliche but don't be afraid of failure!! I had applied to quite a few jobs before I got the one that I have now been offered... but it just goes to show that the right thing comes around if you wait for it. I also think that applications give you so much experience on how to deal with different situations as well as the opportunity to improve your interview technique and gain confidence with the sort of questions that they might ask.

What other professional achievements have you gained on the programme?

Based on the preliminary work of my dissertation project, I have been selected as one of four final year Exeter students who will be presenting abstracts (now Online due to Covid-19) at:"3D Printing, Advanced Robotics and Automation (3DPARA) in London, United Kingdom, 21st - 22nd May 2020". My dissertation has looked at the possible uses of 3D printing for application in the medical field. Under the excellent supervision of Mohammad Akrami and Reza Zamani, they have helped me to pursue this opportunity, and I am excited to present my project at this event.

This is an undergraduate BMBS student who is intercalating in Sports and Exercise Medical Sciences to enhance his skills. This highlights the options for professional development on our course sought after by other programmes.

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I am still currently a student at the University of Exeter. I will be finishing an intercalated degree in BSc Sports and Exercise Medical Science this year. Following on from this I will be studying the final year of BMBS Medicine. From this, I hope to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I chose this career as I have always had an interest in surgery. I find both surgical techniques and the surgical environment fascinating. I especially like the fact that you can greatly improve somebody's quality of life after one day of surgical intervention. Orthopaedic surgery appeals to me as many of the cases involved come from sports backgrounds.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I really enjoyed the clinical aspect of the programme. You are given experience within a clinical environment from very early on. The largest highlight was probably finishing our main practical exam at the end of fourth year and the celebratory refreshments that followed.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

I think it all comes down to your relationship with other people. Intercommunication skills are so important, and I can't think of a single job or career where your ability to communicate with others wouldn't make that job easier. Talking to a broader range of people from many different backgrounds has taught me more than any lecture or PowerPoint ever did.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Just keep chipping away. Staying consistent is key if you want to stay on top of everything, but don't be afraid to enjoy yourself along the way.

What are your plans for the future?

Hopefully to continue progressing through and finish my studies in Exeter. After this, I'm planning on applying to work for the NHS in Northern Ireland for my medical foundation years. From there your guess is as good as mine!

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

After graduating in July 2020, I am about to begin a graduate-entry medical degree at the University of Warwick.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

Medicine is a career which combines caring for people, working in teams, using scientific knowledge and principles and functioning under pressure - it was the combination of these aspects of the job (among others) that made me decide on this career path.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

The uniqueness of the course and the range of modules we could choose from as well the superb teaching staff (at CMH) and the opportunities to take part in research. The biggest highlight of my degree has to be undertaking my professional training year during which I did type 2 diabetes research in a leading London hospital. I enjoyed the variety of teaching and assessment methods as well as our superb teaching staff.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Presentation and team working skills as well as problem solving and skills gained from self-directed learning and research. My experience as a senior student ambassador definitely contributed to the development of those vital skills.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Have a goal and work towards it. If you're looking for an easy way out (or a lot of money), look somewhere else. Stay open-minded and seize the opportunities you're presented with - going to university is about so much more than just academics!

What are your plans for the future?

Working for the NHS as a clinician and educator.

Some of the students have been awarded a departmental prize or award in recognition of their exceptional achievements. If this applies to you please can you tell us about the award you have received and what this award means to you?

In my second year, I received a Special Commendation for Scientific Research and Communication. In my second and fourth years, I also received Dean's Commendations for Exceptional Performance. In my fourth year, I received the Society for Endocrinology Undergraduate Achievement Award for my research into renal disease in type 2 diabetes which I carried out during my professional training year in London. These awards motivated me to work even harder and the recognition by my department made me feel appreciated and confirmed to me that hard work rarely goes unnoticed.

What are your future plans following on from graduation?

I am starting my role as a biomedical support worker at Poole Hospital very soon.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I enjoyed having the ability to choose from a wide range of optional modules so that I could follow my passion of cell biology throughout my degree.

My highlight was meeting a lot of lovely staff and students from so many different backgrounds! I will miss the people and the friendly welcoming atmosphere!

What advice would you give to a current/future student and who wishes to pursue your career?

Future students should go and see Exeter city and both campuses and they will know what a lovely place it is to attend university. I would tell current students to just talk to as many people as possible and you will learn a lot about career pathways, opportunities, different cultures and that there's always someone to help no matter what.

What are your future plans following on from graduation?

I will be studying for a MSc at Exeter (2020-2021)

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I loved the mixture of independent study and directed group learning! This way, I developed a thorough understanding of the topics, while keeping my curiosity and love for learning.

My biggest highlight was the lovely people, beautiful campus, wonderful city!

What advice would you give to a future student who wishes to pursue your career?

I would highly recommend fellow Germans to apply here. I felt immediately immersed in British culture, without being in a large, chaotic city.

Some of the students have been awarded a departmental prize or award in recognition of their exceptional achievements. If this applies to you please can you tell us about the award you have received and what this award means to you?

I was awarded two Deans Commendations for Exceptional Performance - in my first and second year of study. It was great to receive recognition for my hard work!

What are your future plans following on from graduation?

I will be returning to Exeter in September to start Medical School

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

Throughout the programme, all aspects of human physiology and healthcare were integrated into carefully designed modules and case-studies.

Honestly, being in Exeter during lockdown with one of my housemates was the most fun I have ever had. We spent time in our garden laughing and crying together as we worked for exams and cooked meals together. We went on runs together and discovered new areas of Exeter that are unbelievably beautiful. We found that being in Exeter during the hardships of lockdown made it more bearable as there is just so much to do and discover here. I will miss the freedom and independence student life gives you

What advice would you give to a current/future student and who wishes to pursue your career?

Don't get pressured into doing things you don't want to do, or likewise, from not doing the things which you want to do!

Some of the students have been awarded a departmental prize or award in recognition of their exceptional achievements. If this applies to you please can you tell us about the award you have received and what this award means to you?

I have been awarded two Dean's Commendations during my degree. I strived to achieve the highest I could in my first year so I could have a get off on a good momentum for the rest of the degree, and I found having the target of getting it again pushed me to lengths which I would have thought too far. It meant so much to me to get the award in my first year but meant even more to get it in my second year also.