Queendalyn Mbabgong

Why did you apply to the University of Bradford?

To be very honest, I did not know much about the University of Bradford, or Bradford as a city, until I was in the University of Bradford. I came here as sort of a last resort but it turns out it was one of the best decisions I have made so far.  I had not been for any Open Days and so was at a complete loss for what to expect, but throughout my stay here, I have been pleasantly surprised.

What I especially loved about living and studying in Bradford is the community spirit. Everything is within walking distance, and quickly became my home away from home.  I also made lifetime friendships and got to work, study, live and party with people from all works of life.

Why did you choose that particular course?  What did you like and enjoy most about your course?

I have always loved science, especially physiological science and as I grew older, I also developed a strong appreciation of medical technology and understanding the use of more complex equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of pathology.  I wanted to pursue a career in an area which would expose me to a blend of biological and engineering principles, where I can be a competent member in the goal to further improve healthcare services.

I really enjoyed my course and the time (3years) seemed to fly by really quickly. Lecturers were approachable and most would respond to emails within 24hours.  The group projects were also very exciting, building team work and healthy competition. I learned a lot of skills behind the scenes such as presentation skills, assertiveness, analysis, attention to details, time management etc.

The course also helped expand my knowledge and equipped me with loads of relevant information which I can utilise in my career moving forward. I also really appreciated the amount of material available in the library; I really did not need to purchase any textbooks as all the recommended books were available in enough copies and as well as all the software packages needed, to successfully complete projects and assignments.

What tips would you give to prospective students about the course at University of Bradford and the university itself?

“A strong individual is one who asks for help when he needs it” this quote is as true as it sounds. Whatever course you get enrolled on, you will spend 3 – 5 years studying for it.  Never feel like you are in it alone or you can’t ask for help.  There is a surplus amount of help available throughout the campus; academically, financially and morally. From the get go, build a strong rapport with your Supervisor/Personal Tutor and make use of the library!  

Try to find a balance between studies and social life.  Many people tend to lean too much towards one way or the other and end up missing out on a lot of fun experience. Surround yourself with the right group of friends because they will be an integral part of your journey and whether you like it or not, you will be influenced by your peers, so it is up to you if this influence is positive or negative. Organisation and time management is key; set yourself a goal and work to achieve it.

Also, pay attention during your lectures (especially for this course). Trust me this is not like A levels where you sit in a lecture and think “how is this going to be relevant to my job?’’ because EVERYTHING is relevant when it comes to job interviews and applying yourself.  If you have something to do, the best time to do it is NOW because like I said earlier, time flies while in university; you get a piece of coursework and before you blink twice it’s the deadline!

How did Career and Employability Services support you during your time at University?

I cannot emphasise enough how much help and support I received from Career and Employability Services. Seriously, there is help every step of the way; CVs, cover letters, filling out application forms, mock interviews, psychometric tests, and so on.  Even if you are unable to come in for a face-to-face interview, the staff are willing to do a telephone or even skype mock interview with you. I mean, talk about a team who are just out to see you win!!  A huge thank you to all the staff on the Career and Employability Services team!

Tell us about your current job…

I just gained employment with the Leicester Royal Infirmary NHS, and will be joining their Engineering Team as a Clinical Technologist from mid-August 2017.  My job is basically to be a “specialist engineer” for a range of medical equipment and undertake planned preventive maintenance, calibration, servicing, fault-finding and repair to a wide range of these equipment. This is all very exciting for me and I look forward to converting my theoretical knowledge into practical experience.

What action did you take to improve your employability whilst at University?

Well, before university, I had begun working win my local hospital as a HCA (Healthcare Assistant) and also done a lot of volunteering with various charity organisations. Whilst at university, I also became a Student Ambassador and did little retail jobs on the side.  All of this helped build my CV and I developed lots of interpersonal and transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, organisational skills, etc.

Also, I worked closely with the Career and Employability Services from my second year.  I attended several workshops they organised which were packed with valuable information on employability. This service is free so I made sure to use it as much as I could, while I could.

What advice would you give to current students wishing to enter this type of career?

Experience is everything! Not necessarily experience in the field (even though that is also very important), but every bit of experience counts.  During your summer or even whilst at university , go into the hospital and volunteer, or apply to work with the NHS or any other medical companies, just anything that will gain you exposure to these medical equipment so you can get your hands on them.

It is not going to be an easy ride but it will be definitely worth it in the end. There will be very difficult times but you have to know why you want it and stick to your guns. The future is in your hands now, shape it as you would like to see it!