Medical Biology to Student Recruitment and Support Advisor
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Career Profile: Medical Biology to Student Recruitment and Support Advisor


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Name

Aramide Afolabi-Yusuff


A-levels

Psychology and Human Biology


Undergrad

BSc (Hons) Medical Biology


Course/ job

Senior Student Recruitment and Support Advisor


Journey in 3 words

Exploring, Challenging, Growth


Why did you decide to pursue a career in science ?


I loved studying biology since school, I loved acquiring knowledge about the human body, its workings and especially how microscopic organisms could kickstart whole processes that trigger a physiological response. I especially enjoyed learning infectious biology and there was never a doubt in my mind to pursue it at university.


Career prospects weren’t a major thought in my mind at school and I assumed that whatever I studied would eventually land me a job in the biological sciences. But I graduated 21 months ago, and I haven’t worked in science nor stepped in a lab since.


I am aware that the longer I don’t work in the sciences; the more my confidence in my skills and knowledge diminishes.  So, my intention this year is to actively pursue a career in the biological sciences, in the hope of building my skill set and giving me a real experience of what it is like to work in science so I can start using my passion to really impact human lives.



Briefly describe your role


Whilst studying my degree I worked at the information centre at my university and I genuinely enjoyed speaking to students and helping them out. So, when I completed my degree, I started working at a distance-learning university and I advise students on their study plans and explore options available them. I am still passionate about biology, but I love that I get to speak with students from all over the world and hopefully make a difference in their studies.


What advice would you give someone wanting a similar role to you?


I am lucky in the sense that I was accepted into the only job I applied to in my final year but having experience working at university during my degree strengthened my application. If you are wanting to work in this industry; get actively involved in a society or initiatives that you are passionate about and take on a role that requires a certain level of responsibility. For instance; I was a secretary in the African Caribbean Society.


This may sound obvious but if you are wanting to work in higher education; you must be passionate about students and learning. It helps if you have studied at university because you will be able to have a complete understanding of the student journey and can empathise especially when they discuss their goals and concerns.


Work-Life Balance


Initially, I found the work-life balance quite easy. As I moved to a city for my job, it took me a while to meet new people so the first few months involved me travelling me to work and back home. However, the more responsibilities I’ve taken on in my community; finding that balance alongside self-care has been becoming more precarious over time; so now it is still something I’m still trying to figure out now. Luckily, I have a lot of leave allowance so I can take days off if I’m getting overwhelmed with tasks


What advice would you give someone wanting to study the same degree?


Do Your Research into Accreditation. I didn’t achieve all my A-levels and had to go into clearing and completed a foundation year to start my degree. This limited my options, especially and meant I couldn’t get into the course at my preferred institution. If I could start again; I would have repeated a year at sixth form to improve my grades and studied an accredited biomedical science degree. Also, if you can go on placement; do it!


What transferrable skills do you use from your degree now in your job


My degree developed my critical thinking and analytical skills. This has helped me massively in my current role when talking to students because I can consider the support and possible plans that they can access while studying. One of the best skills that I have acquired during my degree is time management and organisation skills. Being able to manage multiple tasks whilst achieving targets and upholding quality is a tight balance but I have had years of practise when studying


Where do you see yourself in 5 years?


In 5 years, I hope to be actively using my degree. I am undecided of the setting; whether it will be in healthcare, teaching or research and development. In the ideal world, I want to work in a role that balances the life sciences and higher education, but I haven’t found that role yet.




Outside science how would you describe yourself


Outside of science, I am quite organised and genuinely enjoy anything that has an element of admin. I am a keen manga reader and I am usually watching multiple anime at any one time. I am quite introverted but around the right people; I’m very eccentric,


When considering your career path, how much has your potential salary affected your decision?


The salary and distance are the first things I look at when I see a job advert. I live alone and it is imperative that I can look after myself and there is also room for financial growth to accommodate my future goals. As a biology graduate who didn’t go on placement; the potential salary within the industry is almost criminal but I think once you have at least one year of experience; you’ll be a better attractive candidate for higher-paying roles.


Connect with aramide :)


Twitter - @aramide_y


 

I hope this post inspires you to follow your passions and acknowledge that at every stage of your career will involve perseverance, consistency and discipline to help you achieve your desired goal. Never forget that “ no accomplishment is too small and no goal is too high”

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