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"My degree gave me the statistical and analytical skills that I developed in my masters and I use now at work"
Your time at UCL
Why did you choose to study at UCL?
I chose to study at UCL because I really liked the description of my degree, I felt that it would give me the knowledge and skills I would need to go into a career in health research. Also, I wanted to study in an institution known for their research and diversity. A place where I could develop my research skills and meet people from different cultures and UCL was perfect for that.
What’s your favourite / most memorable memory of your time as a UCL student?
I have so many amazing memories as my time as a UCL student, from living in student accommodation and making new friends to funny and interesting lectures. However, nothing quite beats graduation day, walking across the stage knowing that I have successfully completed my degree.
Life after UCL.
Life after UCL
What did you do in the year immediately after graduating?
After completing my degree, I went on to study a Master’s Degree in Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
What is your current role? What’s a regular day like?
Currently I work as a HIV/STI Prevention and Surveillance scientist with Public Health England. My role involves analysing chlamydia test results that have been sent from a lab. The data is analysed to look for trends in chlamydia prevalence and findings are collated into an annual report published by Public Health England. I will also be involved in research and teaching roles from time to time.
How has your UCL education contributed to your success?
I learnt so much from the epidemiological transition module that I took in first year and this really developed my interest in epidemiology. My degree gave me the statistical and analytical skills that I developed in my masters and I use now at work. I was also able to develop research skills and my knowledge of diseases greatly increased. Also, in the second year of my degree I was offered the chance to apply for an internship with the NHS which I successfully obtained. This gave me the opportunity to apply the skills that I learnt in my degree to the work place and gave me great practical experience.
Alumni wisdom
What advice would you give to your past self when you were a student?
Everything will be alright in the end! I went through a moment of self-doubt where I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do anymore. I was questioning whether I even chose the right degree and if I was heading in the right direction. I was comparing myself to others and this caused me a lot of stress. But when I stopped the comparisons and just focused on doing my best everything began to look up. I got an internship in second year and I decided to go into further study and now I am working in my desired field in my chosen organisation. So, everything worked out!
What advice do you have for current students?
Enjoy every moment of uni. It goes by quite quickly, cherish the moments that you have with your friends and be open to meeting new people. Don’t compare yourself or the quality of your work with others it will only stress you out, just work hard and do your best.
Describe UCL in 3 words:
- Diverse
- Research
- Inspiring
What is your lasting impression of UCL?
It is a place where I have made some of my best friends and really matured. I learnt so much about myself and my field of interest and I was really encouraged to participate in things that would further my learning. I developed new skills that I will carry throughout my career. My time at UCL is definitely unforgettable!