OXFORD
OxfordGuideToCareers2017
OxfordGuideToCareers2017
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HEALTH + SOCIAL CARE<br />
Alex Botham<br />
Think Ahead graduate<br />
programme<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
WHAT: In July I started training to become<br />
a mental health social worker. This began<br />
with a six-week Summer Institute before<br />
I joined a community mental health team<br />
in September to learn on the job and start<br />
a Master’s degree. I am really looking<br />
forward to a fast-paced, practical learning<br />
environment and new challenges.<br />
WHY: I was interested in a social work role<br />
because I wanted to do something that<br />
involved working directly with people. I<br />
think the most important aspect of social<br />
work is helping people to shape their own<br />
lives and mental health is vital in that<br />
process.<br />
First year after university: After leaving<br />
Oxford I joined the Year Here programme<br />
where I: did a placement in an active<br />
ageing centre for over-60s;, worked<br />
on a consultancy project for a housing<br />
organization; and designed and tested<br />
a social enterprise working on an<br />
environmental and emotional wellbeing<br />
project. It was during this year that I<br />
really found fulfilment in working directly<br />
with people, as well as learning a lot<br />
more about personal and professional<br />
development.<br />
ADVICE: I went on a Widening<br />
Participation visit to Oxford when I<br />
was 16 and an access officer from<br />
the University said to me: ‘Do what<br />
you’re interested in and the rest<br />
will fall into place.’ I’ve placed a lot<br />
of trust in that advice. Quite often<br />
I’ve considered certain paths, like<br />
applying for a policy Master’s, and<br />
decided it’s not right because it’s not<br />
something I’m excited about doing<br />
now. It’s definitely scary to trust in<br />
that feeling, but it’s prevented me<br />
from ending up in jobs that wouldn’t<br />
make me happy.<br />
WORKING WITH VULNERABLE<br />
PEOPLE: I think having a responsibility<br />
to other people is very fulfilling.<br />
If you’re interested in going into<br />
a career working with vulnerable<br />
people, I think learning genuine<br />
listening skills and having respect<br />
for the people you’re working with<br />
has to be the basis of everything you<br />
do. It’s also important to look after<br />
yourself, understand what difference<br />
you can make, and draw boundaries<br />
between your work and your<br />
personal life.<br />
HEALTH + SOCIAL CARE<br />
Amelia Cook<br />
Academic Foundation Doctor<br />
<br />
was unsuccessful due to a low UKCAT<br />
score. I took a deep breath, had several<br />
helpful meetings at the Careers Service,<br />
and decided I really wanted to be a<br />
doctor. I went on a course to improve<br />
my UKCAT, sat GAMSAT as backup and<br />
did everything I could to enhance my<br />
application.<br />
Having spent a year working as a<br />
healthcare assistant at Helen and<br />
Douglas House Hospice I reapplied<br />
successfully, accepting a place at King’s<br />
- my first choice. I am now working as<br />
a Foundation Year 1 Doctor, and despite<br />
debt, political uncertainty and long<br />
hours, I am very glad I am a doctor and<br />
love medicine!<br />
With hindsight I am glad I had a relaxed<br />
year between Oxford finals and an<br />
intense medical degree. The skills and<br />
knowledge patients and staff taught me<br />
at the Hospice has been invaluable both<br />
as a medical student and as a doctor,<br />
and I had a time to achieve personal<br />
ambitions like running a marathon.<br />
TOP TIPS: It’s a long, challenging<br />
course so think about what will<br />
enable you to be happy. Research<br />
courses carefully - teaching styles,<br />
content and application requirements<br />
are very varied – and look at where<br />
and for how long you may go on<br />
placements.<br />
<br />
<br />
WHAT: I applied to Graduate Entry<br />
medicine courses during my final<br />
year and was devastated when I<br />
HOW MY <strong>OXFORD</strong> EXPERIENCE<br />
HELPED: My Oxford experience<br />
has been invaluable. . My Human<br />
Sciences background provided a<br />
fascinating context for medicine,<br />
such as being able to think about<br />
evolution when studying anatomy,<br />
which helped with the absorption of<br />
vast volumes of new knowledge. I’ve<br />
used skills from my first degree when<br />
conducting qualitative research into<br />
health needs of refugee children,<br />
and being able to manage a busy<br />
timetable and extracurricular<br />
activities has helped me adjusting to<br />
the learning style and multiple choice<br />
exams required for medicine.<br />
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