Why did you choose to study at manchester met?

I have always been fascinated by how the human body operates and work in healthcare, I thought working in this field would be a perfect fit for me. I read about the Healthcare Science degree on Manchester Met’s website and wanted to know more. I enquired with the University and came in for an interview where I found out more about the course.

Tell us about your career journey so far

In my final year, I was searching for jobs and had completed a placement at Wythenshawe Hospital.  I was then fortunate enough to get a job at the very same hospital after graduating.

Now, I’m the Head of the Department of Lung Function. I am responsible for meeting service demands while ensuring staff and patient care are delivered to high standards. It has been very demanding at times with many changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

My role is also extremely rewarding. I’m directly involved in creating change and I can see the development that has taken place within the service and the direction it is heading in.

From the skills gained during your time at Manchester Met, what have you used most in your career so far? 

By balancing academic duties and placement responsibilities, I developed my organisational skills. I learned how to prioritise my workload and that it’s important to have a work-life balance, as my friends and family played a major role in the completion of my degree and continue to support my development.

Make the most of placements and study time which are essential for growth. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes and reflect on a regular basis. It’s very easy to be daunted by want lies ahead, but we don’t always stop and look back at how far we have come.

What are your greatest achievements so far? 

My greatest achievement is my current role where I am leading the Department of Lung Function that I joined as a new graduate. I am also proud that I am involved with specialist teaching as a clinical tutor for Manchester Met. I believe that this is only the start for me and I look forward to what the future offers.  

What does diversity in the Life Sciences industry mean to you? 

It is important for students to have someone to look up to that comes from a similar background to them who can remind them of their full potential. Not everyone has a role model growing up and representation is extremely important. I want to show that it is possible for people like me to excel, not only in science, but also in leadership positions. This doesn’t stop at Life Sciences but is also true for life. As a young black Muslim woman, I faced many challenges and obstacles, but I did not let that stop me. 

Explore your career options.