Studied First Diploma in Science and BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science

Works for BUPA as an Aseptic Operator

Age: 24
Completed course: 2009

What are you doing now?
I work in a pharmaceutical compound unit making chemo drugs for people being cured at home.

What University did you go to?
I did one year at Bristol University and found the living costs too expensive, so I switched to Brunel University in Uxbridge, London.

What did you study?
BSC in Biomedical Sciences.

What did you do after Uni?
I travelled to the Philippines and worked in a big hospital, with a charity called VSO for 3 months doing research work in tuberculosis. I was a team leader and also arranged events to raise the awareness of TB with info about vaccines. I then went to Uxbridge Hospital and did some work there, then I joined BUPA. I love my work and I always make people smile, I'm always positive and happy at work.

Did the courses you studied at Harlow College prepare you for what you do now?
Yes, I was hoping to do dentistry, but when I applied to do biomedical science everything I studied at Harlow College just came back, all the material provided was really,  really helpful.

Have you any advice for others going to University?
If you want to go to another level, go to Uni, be open to the new you! Don't worry what your friends are doing! Don`t limit yourself, be positive!

Did you do much research before going to University?
Yes, I attended the Harlow College Guidance Centre and the staff there helped me a lot. Diana in particular helped me a lot. I couldn`t speak English when I came to College in 2005, I couldn`t say a word in English! Harlow College really prepared me and helped me throughout, applying for University. I am really happy with the service from Harlow College.

When did you realise that this was the area of work you wanted to pursue?
My granddad was a doctor, he said that if you are a doctor or work in a science department you live longer... I have always said since I was 5 years old that I would be a doctor.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to go into your line of work?
I will tell them, you must know what you really want to do, Science is really hard but if you really want it you can do it! I did not even speak English but I still went for it. I did my English course here at Harlow College on the ESOL course.

What skills are important for a scientist?
Be a hard worker, be focused and be a hard worker. Love what you are doing and be good at research.

Where will you be in 5 years' time?
I am going back to university to study to be a dentist, I have also worked as a dental nurse for the last 6 months. So hopefully in 5 years' time I will be a dentist.

Studied Health and Social Care Level 3

Studying Midwifery at the University of Hertfordshire

Age: 18
Completed course: June 2013

How did the course help you progress?
Studying Health and Social Care at Harlow College opened my eyes to the wider aspects of health and social care and gave me an insight into what I wanted to do after college. It also gave me extra qualifications to develop my portfolio as a health and social care professional and helped me understand what university expects of me as a student.

Did you feel prepared leaving college?
I don't think anyone feels 100% prepared – it's a big step! I feel that the college gave me encouragement and recognised my potential, and this boosted my self esteem. It gave me the confidence I needed to leave college and go onto university. It was the preparation I needed as I was not a confident student.

What do you enjoy about university/placement?
I love the fact that I'm studying a subject I chose! A subject that I'm interested in. The university continues to support my education by giving me a role with responsibilities. When I'm out on placement I'm in my element. I'm so involved in the care of the women and I've even been able to deliver a baby. Even though I'm on my feet for 12 hour shifts I enjoy every moment. This is the career I belong in.

What research did you do into your course?
Firstly, I just googled midwifery to get a basic idea of what I was getting into. Then I went to some open days and career information events to talk to midwifery students and lecturers. They gave me such great advice on the career. What to expect at university and also support with the interview process.

Any advice on applying for uni?
The college has great services available for helping with the UCAS application. They were there to help at every step of the process and supported me with my personal statement. Be honest in your statement – universities want to know about you as an individual. Even the smallest of skills that you think might not relevant could give you that extra edge. Also, remember to visit the universities because you need to feel comfortable in the environment that you'll be studying in. Every university is different.

Any advice for a future midwife?
Midwifery focuses on enabling women through pregnancy, labour and the postnatal stage. It offers physical, emotional and psychological support to women, their partner and their family. You have to be prepared to focus on studying as it will take up a lot of your time. It's worth it though, because you get to be a part of families at such a special time in their lives.

What skills are needed for a midwife?
Midwives have varied skills. You need to be a kind, caring person. You have to have a passion for caring for people. Great communication skills and good people skills are a must because women need someone to confide in. You also have to be strong minded. Although childbirth has such happy moments it unfortunately also has very sad moments.

What qualities make you a good midwife?
My willingness to learn is a quality that I believe makes me a good midwife. I'm constantly trying to learn new skills through practice and observing. My passion for the job also makes me a good midwife, it's something I enjoy and want to do for the rest of my life.

What do you think you'll be doing in five years' time?
In five years' time I'd like to be a qualified midwife working in a London hospital. I'd also like to become a mentor to students studying midwifery and help them become the midwives that women deserve.

Studied Electrical Level 3 C&G

Currently working as an electrician
for Butler West Electrical

Age: 21
Course completed: 2011

What do you enjoy most about your job?
It's different every day and I'm always problem solving and coming across new challenges. The people I work with are great.

What responsibilities do you have?
At the moment me and my colleague are running a job in Oxford. Running a couple of jobs actually.

What are the most important pieces of equipment you need to start up?
Wire strippers, screwdrivers and a hammer. Definitely.

How did your course help you progress onto your chosen career?
The theory turned out to be really useful because you can relate to it on-site. It’s a lot different doing it on a bit of board to doing it in a house!

What qualifications do you need most to qualify as an electrician?
You need your Level 3 and they are now asking for the Testing Certificate as well, which I haven’t got yet but want to do. It's a hard course but you need to know your testing stuff.

What about GCSE wise?
English, Maths and Science are important, definitely. If you get all those you can skip a year, cut out Level 1 and go straight to Level 2.

What's the best job you've been to?
I don’t know really, I’ve done so many. We did a few schools in Witham and that was great – it was all metal trayed and armored, stuff I’ve never really done before.

How did you know that electrical was the industry for you?
I didn’t, actually. I did day release at school to come to Harlow College to try out all the trades. Every couple of months we swapped throughout the year so we did everything and I felt electrical was the one for me.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to be an electrician?
Just make sure it's something you really want to do because there's no point in doing it and then getting to a certain point and thinking, this isn’t for me. So you just need to make sure it is something you want to do and work hard at it.

Is it better to work for a company or work independently?
Independently, I would say. Go to companies first and build up your experience, because there's nothing like getting stuck and not knowing what to do so, I would say build up your experience with companies and then go on to do it by yourself later on.

What skills do you think are important for an electrician to have?
Team player, always, because nine times out of ten you will be working with other people. And confidence as well, because the last thing the client wants is someone who's a bit shy and not really knowing what they're doing.

What qualities do you think you have to have to be a good electrician?
Personality goes a long way, and just being a team player really. Just doing your bit and working hard.

Lastly, where do you see yourself in five years time?
In that time I'd like to have been in a few other companies and maybe considering working for myself.