Career Aspirations: Why Do You Want to Pursue a Career in Healthcare

From the basic cellular processes to the complex functions of our pathways and systems, understanding the relationship between the structure of the human body and disease is what I find to be most intriguing. My love of Science and immense curiosity of the bodies functions are just two of my reasons for choosing to study Biochemistry. Biochemistry is also of great importance in the world of research and health care development.

In Chemistry, I have particularly enjoyed the problem solving nature of chemical equilibrium and entropy topics, and I am fascinated by the complexity of organic chemistry. I am particularly interested in how the structure of organic molecules relates to their chemical reactions and how this can be employed usefully in the pharmaceutical industry. In Biology, I enjoy topics relating to the human body and understanding its function at a molecular and cellular level, through studying genetics and the immune system. I have developed analytical skills that help me interpret graphical and numerical data.

I am fascinated by how our bodies are adapted to fighting disease, and I have really enjoyed learning about the non-specific and specific immune responses that enable it to do this. Even with our elegant defence mechanisms, our bodies still fail to combat many of these pathogens. This is where drugs can help, and why I think that studying a Biochemistry course is particularly relevant.

My aim is to pursue a career in healthcare and to enhance my knowledge of the systems in the U.K. I decided to do some extensive research on the topic NHS versus private healthcare which provides a better quality of care, this helped improve my knowledge of both systems and gave me the opportunity to speak to health care professionals reinforcing my decision to study this course. I organised a visit to the pathology department where I got a chance to explore the vast numbers of departments and learn what each consist of. The area which I found the most fascinating was hematology. I learnt how the appearance of the blood by microscopy can help to diagnose illness and how automated instruments are used to give the different number of cell types in a blood cells. This gave me a clear insight into the daily realities of healthcare.

I also arranged a work experience placement at a hospital where I shadowed a consultant, I got to witness some astounding procedures with the expertise of the doctor. I realised that none of it would be possible without all the research and lab work which is involved in treating diseases. I understand the importance of commitment and organizational skills in a course such as this and I believe my experiences of work have equipped me with just that, these include lots of volunteering work such as 20 weeks in a boots pharmacy, 75 hours of charity shop work and 4 years of mentoring 6-year students. I also volunteer at Women’s Aid and help women who have gone through domestic violence on a one-to-one level.

In my leisure time I enjoy mountain biking, baking and my other hobby that I find relaxing is playing the piano. I would like to be an analytical chemist when I finish Biochemistry. I am looking forward to every aspect university has to offer. I understand that any career in health care will sometimes be challenging, but I genuinely believe my enthusiasm, self-motivation and love of interaction with people will allow me to thrive.