OXFORD

HEALTH + SOCIAL CARE
Alex Botham
Think Ahead graduate
programme
WHAT: In July I started training to become
a mental health social worker. This began
with a six-week Summer Institute before
I joined a community mental health team
in September to learn on the job and start
a Master’s degree. I am really looking
forward to a fast-paced, practical learning
environment and new challenges.
WHY: I was interested in a social work role
because I wanted to do something that
involved working directly with people. I
think the most important aspect of social
work is helping people to shape their own
lives and mental health is vital in that
process.
First year after university: After leaving
Oxford I joined the Year Here programme
where I: did a placement in an active
ageing centre for over-60s;, worked
on a consultancy project for a housing
organization; and designed and tested
a social enterprise working on an
environmental and emotional wellbeing
project. It was during this year that I
really found fulfilment in working directly
with people, as well as learning a lot
more about personal and professional
development.
ADVICE: I went on a Widening
Participation visit to Oxford when I
was 16 and an access officer from
the University said to me: ‘Do what
you’re interested in and the rest
will fall into place.’ I’ve placed a lot
of trust in that advice. Quite often
I’ve considered certain paths, like
applying for a policy Master’s, and
decided it’s not right because it’s not
something I’m excited about doing
now. It’s definitely scary to trust in
that feeling, but it’s prevented me
from ending up in jobs that wouldn’t
make me happy.
WORKING WITH VULNERABLE
PEOPLE: I think having a responsibility
to other people is very fulfilling.
If you’re interested in going into
a career working with vulnerable
people, I think learning genuine
listening skills and having respect
for the people you’re working with
has to be the basis of everything you
do. It’s also important to look after
yourself, understand what difference
you can make, and draw boundaries
between your work and your
personal life.
HEALTH + SOCIAL CARE
Amelia Cook
Academic Foundation Doctor
was unsuccessful due to a low UKCAT
score. I took a deep breath, had several
helpful meetings at the Careers Service,
and decided I really wanted to be a
doctor. I went on a course to improve
my UKCAT, sat GAMSAT as backup and
did everything I could to enhance my
application.
Having spent a year working as a
healthcare assistant at Helen and
Douglas House Hospice I reapplied
successfully, accepting a place at King’s
- my first choice. I am now working as
a Foundation Year 1 Doctor, and despite
debt, political uncertainty and long
hours, I am very glad I am a doctor and
love medicine!
With hindsight I am glad I had a relaxed
year between Oxford finals and an
intense medical degree. The skills and
knowledge patients and staff taught me
at the Hospice has been invaluable both
as a medical student and as a doctor,
and I had a time to achieve personal
ambitions like running a marathon.
TOP TIPS: It’s a long, challenging
course so think about what will
enable you to be happy. Research
courses carefully - teaching styles,
content and application requirements
are very varied – and look at where
and for how long you may go on
placements.
WHAT: I applied to Graduate Entry
medicine courses during my final
year and was devastated when I
HOW MY OXFORD EXPERIENCE
HELPED: My Oxford experience
has been invaluable. . My Human
Sciences background provided a
fascinating context for medicine,
such as being able to think about
evolution when studying anatomy,
which helped with the absorption of
vast volumes of new knowledge. I’ve
used skills from my first degree when
conducting qualitative research into
health needs of refugee children,
and being able to manage a busy
timetable and extracurricular
activities has helped me adjusting to
the learning style and multiple choice
exams required for medicine.
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