Page 17 - Careers & Higher Education Guidance 2022

I settled in really quickly into the Sixth Form, made new friends and enjoyed not only my studies, but was able to play county cricket, rugby and squash, pursue Gold DoE, become a Science Mentor to younger pupils and Chapel Prefect.
The Careers & Higher Education Department
at Malvern helped me with my Oxbridge applications and Dr Stewart Vaughan helped with my preparation for the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). In the autumn term of the Lower Sixth, I was introduced to the College’s Oxbridge Group, which prepares pupils for their interviews by discussing and exploring a wide range of issues across the curriculum and beyond. The importance of preparing for interviews cannot be overstated and the department invests a great deal of time in coaching and holding practice interviews, which I found invaluable.
Committing to work experience is crucial because it provides an insight into the world of work, the demands and expectations and the skills needed. For both employers and university applications, undertaking work experience demonstrates a serious intent and makes the application itself stand out. I met Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr Tom Bragg (OM) at the College’s annual Careers and Futures Evening and arranged three weeks of work experience in General Practice, Cardiology, Plastic Surgery, Neurological Rehabilitation and a Clinical Skills Lab. These experiences left me in no doubt
about the hard work, resilience and commitment to lifelong learning required from doctors, and it confirmed that medicine is both rewarding and stimulating and the career path for me.
I also spent 14 months volunteering at a
dementia care home, playing piano for Sunday afternoon singing, and chatting to residents. The music stimulated memories of past adventures
- particularly rewarding when more passive residents, with late stage dementia, are prompted into conversation. Witnessing their declining independence and training as a ‘Dementia Friend’ has helped me understand and interact with these vulnerable elderly people.
I am now at Oxford University studying Medicine. I recognise that doctors face many challenges and responsibilities, but I feel that a career founded on science, integrity and empathy matches my abilities and aspirations.
The support and guidance from the Careers
& Higher Education Department is invaluable and it cannot start early enough. For those like me who know what they want to do, and for those who are undecided, the team provide unbiased advice, has access to all the essential information, a wealth of experience and access to a network of OMs who are only too willing
to help. As an OM now, I have access to
OM Connect which keeps me in touch with alumni and offers mentoring, support and a considerable network whenever needed.” 
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