Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?
I carried on my role in retail after graduating before landing the role I had been waiting for at the London Women’s Clinic on Harley Street. Since then, I have learnt so much about the fertility industry, have started to develop my skills in communicating with patients and have begun to work on my goal of becoming a clinical embryologist. My job is tough, and quite stressful at times, but incredibly rewarding as I am helping people fulfil their dreams of becoming a parent.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
I arrive at work at 8am and check the tanks which hold our patients frozen gametes and embryos, ensuring the level of liquid nitrogen is sufficient to keep them safe. I spend a couple of hours checking emails and responding to patient enquiries. Common questions include things like “how many embryos do I have in storage?”, and all this information is held in our database which I also help to manage. The fertility industry is highly regulated so a big portion of my job is to also ensure that we are compliant with the law (e.g. by ensuring we have the correct consent forms from patients in place). I also assist with putting gametes/embryos in storage after the patient has had their treatment.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
The highlight of my journey so far has been seeing the positive experiences that patients have had. It’s so lovely to see the outcome of the treatment, and we get numerous extremely cute baby photos sent in! It’s great that we are helping people to start a family, who may have been having fertility issues or who are in same-sex relationships.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
Brunel has given me the confidence and skills to give me a head-start in my career. The wide range of topics I studied taught me to be adaptable which is vital in a care environment.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
I chose Brunel due to it’s location and I loved the campus. It was close enough to home that I could visit easily, but still gave me independence. The lecturers in the biosciences department are a credit to the university! They encourage you and are enthusiastic about your learning.
What is your best memory of studying here?
The summer events in the quad were always a highlight. Especially when they’d show movies and you’d unwind with your mates sat on deck chairs! And when the weather was not so great (it is London, after all), karaoke night was always so much fun.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
Get involved in societies and events! You’ll meet so many new people and it will add a fresh dynamic to your student life.
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
Whether you’ve a job/further study lined up straight after uni, or are not sure what you want to do, know that life after graduation is unique for everyone and we’re all on our own paths. Finding the perfect role can be a struggle, as I know all too well post-covid. But if you have the passion and drive to achieve your goals then things will fall into place.
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