When I was looking for roles related to my programming degree, I was offered a job for a company who worked closely with the NHS, modelling workforce supply and demand.
This was the start of my career working with the NHS. I am now based within the organisation itself, as a modeller for Health Education England.
Health Education England provides education and training to NHS staff. The NHS is the third largest organisation in the world, with over a million people working for the service at the moment.
Working for an organisation I love
My role is in the National Analysis and Intelligence team. I build models, prepare data and produce reports which are then used to inform investment and policy decisions in government.
I'm fortunate enough to work for an organisation I love, using data techniques to come up with new ideas and inform future investment. This can result in huge savings for the NHS.
My main responsibilities are for the medical model which I helped to build.
My day typically involves writing macro code in Excel, using it to build or refine processes which make my job and the job of my colleagues quicker and easier.
Because I'm the most technically minded person on the team, I'm pulled in to work on a variety of projects and speak to people around the organisation, as well as outside it. This means days can be nicely varied, but also somewhat unpredictable.
A step ahead
My master’s degree gave me an advantage over other people, either when applying for a role or performing the role itself, so every day I am grateful for my time at Bath.
Without my master’s, I wouldn’t have this career, it’s as simple as that.
The course has got me into the interview room and given me the specialist skills to actually do the job. It has also given me the invaluable confidence and belief that if I put my mind to something I can do it.
My advice to you
Studying for a master’s is hard work and challenging, but the best kind of challenge. It will truly set you apart, and in an increasingly competitive job market, that’s very important.
If you’re smart, passionate and fortunate enough to have the means to take a year to do it, I can’t recommend it enough.