Lauren W.
About me
| Lauren W. | |
| Mathematics | |
| Mathematics | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Vanbrugh | |
| 2011 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| MSc | |
| Statistical Epidemiology | |
| The University of Leeds | |
| United Kingdom | |
| 2011 | |
| 2012 |
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Why I continued studying
When it came to the end of my studies of Mathematics at The University of York I was struggling to feel passionate about any particular maths related career. There were the more obvious career paths to take, such as finance, actuarial science, mathematical research, but these did not inspire me. So I took some time to think about what it was that motivated me in life and I realised just how much I wanted my career to be one in which I could make a positive difference to people's lives, their health and well-being; a career linked with medical research. As I had worked so hard for my BSC Mathematics I wanted to utilise the skills that I had learnt and to find a way to apply them to a health-related career. That's when I stumbled upon the term epidemiology: the study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why. This grabbed my attention immediately and turned out to be the perfect mix of mathematics and medicine that I hadn't realised I was now looking for. I researched epidemiology careers and quickly found that the best way into it was to pursue postgraduate study. I was very excited to then find a 1-year taught Masters course at The University of Leeds in Statistical Epidemiology, which I began in September 2011. I took a big leap to follow my passion, and it turned out to be the best decision I'd ever made.
What my course is like
The MSc Statistical Epidemiology course was a taught postgraduate degree which meant that 2 days per week were dedicated to classes, whilst the rest were for self study and assignments. The course was modular in format and assessment and included a large research project element contributing to over a third of the degree score. My research project looked at the 5-year survival rates of childhood cancer in the Yorkshire region. This degree was fascinating and I learnt so much in the space of 1 year.
How I have funded my studies
I was very lucky to have financial support from my Mam for my Masters degree tuition fees. I used my own savings for living costs.
What I like most
The course was full of content and you had to learn fast. The research project element was an amazing opportunity to conduct my own epidemiological research on a topic that I found fascinating.
What I like least
Examinations. I was never excellent under the pressure of exams so I did find some exam stressful, however there weren't too many at once, with plenty of time to revise beforehand.
What surprised me most
The people I met. As a postgraduate course there was greater diversity in our study group. It was only small, say 15 people, but ages ranged from 21 to 56, people's qualifications varied from undergrad to medical doctor, and nationalities spanned a wide range of countries such as Saudi Arabia, Malawi and Japan. I loved getting to know and to work with this great group of people. I certainly learnt a lot from their experiences and viewpoints.
My career goals when I graduated
After graduating with an MSc in Statistical Epidemiology I knew that I wanted to get stuck in as an epidemiology research assistant straight away, and not pursue a PhD at this stage. I was ready to work and to get started on a real-life project where I could truly contribute and make a difference to people's health and outcomes.
My career history
My first job post-Masters was as an Invasive Pneuomococcal Disease research assistant at Public Health England based in the Newcastle office. I worked with surveillance data from North-East GP's and hospitals to conduct research into the efficacy of the pneumococcal vaccination program in children and the elderly. I worked at PHE on a temporary contract for just under 2 years and thoroughly enjoyed my time there, publishing my first research paper in a scientific journal. As is the difficult part with any research post, the funding for my position ran out. But it couldn't have come at a better time as I felt ready for a career step-up.
My next, and current, position is as a Medical Statistician and research assistant for the Aetiological Epidemiology team at The Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton, South London. I am now involved with the design, set-up, and analysis of multiple breast cancer research studies using data collected from the largest women's breast cancer cohort in the UK. I absolutely love my job here at the ICR, it is so rewarding, and is a hub of state-of-the-art cancer research technology and cancer research experts all working together to solve the cancer conundrum. There is a great international environment here too.
Courses taken since graduation
I have attended a few training courses for statistical software programs and methods during my time in both jobs.
How my studies have helped my career
My qualifications gained form my studies have certainly allowed me to achieve my career position, but it is more importantly the course content; the analytical and computational skills gained from my BSc Mathematics, the research study considerations gained from my MSc Statistical Epidemiology, that I use and help me every day.
What surprised me about my career so far
The most surprising thing for me was being accepted at The Institute of Cancer Research in London. I had never been too confident with my abilities and my chances of getting the position there, but I worked hard in my previous job and for my interview, and I think by just being myself and relaxing, my employers saw that I was ready for the role, and the next thing I knew, I had got the job and was moving down south!
Where I hope to be in 5 years
I hope to have progressed from research assistant to research associate here at the ICR in 5 years time. I may even pursue a PhD here part-time.
My advice to students considering further study
If after completing your undergraduate degree you remain unsure about where your career is heading or especially if you do not feel motivated in your current field, then do what I did and take some time alone to really think about what it is that makes you happy, motivated, what would inspire you to work hard. If you feel a slight alteration in your career path is needed, then postgraduate study could be the perfect option for you.
Other advice
Try to relax and be yourself at any interview, it is always best to be honest to yourself. Make use of the careers service at York as they helped me to discover more options for my future. And try talking to your academic supervisors, they will be able to impart some wisdom on careers and options better than most.
Contacting me
If you do wish to ask me any questions about my career path, or my studies or employers, then feel free to get in touch.
Next steps...
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