Did you still feel the same after graduating?

I didn't get into medical school but really wanted to have patient contact. I attended a careers event about what you can do with your degree while I was studying, organised by Beckett Careers, and met a Physician Associate from the University of Leeds. I was really interested with what he did on a day-to-day basis and asked him lots of questions, especially about how involved the role was with patient care.

I decided it might be an area I could run with in the future, so I intentionally pursued getting some shadowing with a working Physician Associate at the Leeds General Infirmary. I managed to secure some shadowing in the summer of third year after I graduated for a few weeks which was great experience.

Afterwards, lots of students asked me how I managed to secure the work experience opportunity. I decided to find all the hospitals I could get to by car or train and sent out loads of emails to those that might take me on. I think I must have sent 50 to 60 emails out but that’s what I believe you have to do if you really want something!

That’s amazing. What did you find yourself doing next?

I decided I wanted to apply for further study to become a Physician Associate during my final year. I applied in my third year but didn't get any interviews back, so I contacted the Beckett Careers team for support. I had been working part-time in the local cinema since my second year of study, and while I continued to work there, I took a year out after graduating and started applying to study a master's again but with the support of the Beckett Careers team.

How did Beckett Careers support you with your application?

We set a time each week to meet up and go through my CV and identify what the possible routes into study were. We made a list of about seven universities to apply to, of which two had their own applications portal. I had to apply through UCAS for the others.

We spent three to four months going through the preparation for each avenue with one-to-one support, personal statement refinement, and practical interview preparation, so there was lots to go through before applying. I believe this is what got me six out of seven offers though! I managed to secure six interviews, all at different universities which was a very different result to the first time round.

What made you decide on the University of Surrey?

I had heard it was a good master's course and they have people working in the field while they teach and train us to become Physician Associates. The expertise they share is second to none and thankful to have the opportunity. It's worked out well.

What does your future look like now?

I'm still in my second year and preparing to pass my national exams that are coming up. After my master's degree, I'd like to come back to Leeds to be near my family again. Becoming a Physician Associate in my home city would be the ideal.

I'm looking forward to covering many related topics and crossing paths with lots of different types of roles that work within healthcare. My course at Leeds Beckett really showed me the love I have for working in a team setting and can imagine working with lots of different people in the medical field will be an enjoyable experience.

Physician Associates cover everything from general support to taking bloods which will make every day interesting. Leeds General Infirmary and St James' hospitals have great reports from doctors and our teachers at the University of Surrey, so the future is looking bright!

What would your advice be to a current student or recent graduate now?

Speak with the Beckett Careers team today! The earlier you start, the sooner you'll be on your way. Don't leave it to the last year, start now and apply for jobs that interest you.

Try and get some shadowing and work experience under your belt in the areas you want to go into. It helps you stand out from the crowd and no one can take the experience you gain away from you! That's what I did and although I didn't get paid for the different vocations, I did gain knowledge and skills which have set me up for life. I've got a good salary to look forward to in the future instead.