Tanzyla Khan Tareen

What was your main motivation to undertake postgraduate study?

I really enjoyed my bachelor’s degree, however I needed a bigger challenge. I wanted to learn more about healthcare, from a strategic point of view rather than only being on the front line working with patients. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes!

What were the factors that influenced your decision making when considering postgraduate study?

For me there were many factors that played a role. Having been at City St George's for my undergraduate degree in Radiography, I already knew a lot about the university and kind of felt sad at the thought of leaving. I have had such a great time and been part of the students’ union and sports community and loved every bit of it. More importantly, the course I am studying now really stood out to me when considering various other universities.

What were, if any, the main challenges that affected your decision about postgraduate study? How did you overcome them?

For me the main challenges were actually my finances as I would be funding the course myself. I got offered the Dean's Scholarship for Academic and Clinical Excellence and this was another reason that helped me decide on which university to go to. Another challenge was whether I was able to handle all the new modules that would come with the master’s as I knew so little about this area of healthcare.

After doing some research and speaking to academics, I realised that no challenge is too big and there is plenty of support in case I need it. Moreover, so many people on my course come from different backgrounds so I'm definitely not the only one.

Why did you choose City St George's? What made you decide City St George's was the right university for you?

Like I mentioned previously, I have been here for three years and have grown so much as a person. I have had a lot of support from the academics and have met so many great people from every corner of the University.

What has been your student experience at City St George's so far?

I have had a great time as a postgraduate student so far. The only difference as a master’s student is that all the undergraduate students seem so young.

How studying a postgraduate degree has helped you develop personally and professionally?

I never thought I could learn so much in such a short space of time. I have grown so much as a person during my time at City St George's, but since starting my master’s I have learned some invaluable skills and grown much more professionally. My internship has taught me so much about the working world and I am looking forward to starting my consultancy module as this will help me to develop further.

What skills and knowledge do you think the course has helped you develop?

I have learnt a lot, but I have really developed my time management and professional skills. I now understand the value of networking, communication and organisation and how important this is when working in a big team of people.

What opportunities and experiences has City St George's offered you during your course?

City St George's offers the same opportunities to undergraduates and postgraduates but the only difference really is that many master’s students are more focused on their studies and career rather than extra-curricular activities. I have taken much less part in extra -curricular activities since starting my master’s as there is so much to do and learn in one year.

However, the opportunities have always remained the same and I do know some postgraduate students who are very much involved with the university outside of class.

What advice would you give to people thinking about postgraduate study? What would you have liked to know then that you know now?

When deciding on where to study it is important to consider various things, such as the modules being taught, the way you will be examined, the cost of studies, the course duration and the commute/living costs. I feel like I knew everything I wanted to know because I made sure I found out the things I needed to know before choosing where to study.

Ways to do this is by attending a Postgraduate Open Evening and speaking to the academics. It is also worth doing some background research on the subject you are interested in studying and potentially speaking to a current or past student from your intended course to get a wider variety of views and experiences.

What are your career plans once you have completed your postgraduate degree?

My postgraduate degree has already been such a big stepping stone for me. I am considering undertaking a PhD at some point in my life but I have decided I will first work for a few years to gain some more experience both in the NHS and pharmaceutical companies, as I believe the best way to learn is to put your knowledge into practice and meanwhile develop your skills and grow even more into the person you want to be.

How do you think City St George's has equipped you for the next stage in your career journey?

I have learned so much about areas in healthcare that I hardly knew anything about. Being at City St George's for nearly four years and having learnt and met so many fantastic people along my journey has given me the confidence and the belief in myself to go out and do great things.