Doing the MClin Res massively helped my career - it allowed me to become a research paramedic

What were your previous roles before studying Clinical Research?

I have been a paramedic and a paramedic team leader before starting my role in research, and then became a research paramedic. I am currently studying a PhD at the University of Sheffield, and an MSc at Sheffield Hallam in Advanced clinical practice; as well as managing the grant (including project and budget) as a NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow.

How has your time at Sheffield helped you in your career?

Doing the MClin Res massively helped my career - it allowed me to become a research paramedic. This led to me being matched funded to work in the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) for 2 days a week on the CLAHRC Y+H project. This led to numerous publications and becoming co-module director for pre-hospital care, part of the MSc Advanced Emergency Care. It also allowed me to develop a grant for an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship

What is your greatest achievement to date?

Definitely securing the role of NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow!

What career advice would you give to a student interested in studying on the Masters in Clinical Research course?

Don't just turn up and do the minimum to pass because it's what you do outside of the classroom that will bolster your career. I learnt all the knowledge on the MClin Res, but I was utilising it to write publications and make contacts in research. I was also asking to co-app on grants so I could get experience of that style of writing and get off the mark with doing research. By the time I had finished the MClin Res, I was published, I had succeeded (and failed) at winning grants and I had a job lined up. The MClin Res gives you everything you need to succeed and is brilliantly taught.