We caught up with alumnus Ian Bernales, 23 who graduated with a 2:1 in Biomedical Science from the University of Kent.
Ian is currently working as a Biomedical Scientist in Haematology with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Biomedical scientists carry out tests on samples taken by doctors and nurses in order to diagnose a range of illnesses and diseases.
How did All Saints’ help you in reaching your goals for university?
Having studied Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Maths at All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form, I received great support from all my teachers, especially the Science department. Mr Mudge and Mrs Sharpe both made learning Biology interesting and helped me achieve a good grade in a paper I wasn’t too confident on, which in turn helped me to secure a place to study Biomedical Science. Also, a big thanks to the IT department for giving me extra printing budget to print out loads of past exam papers to help with revision.
What advice would you give our Sixth Form students when looking at their next steps?
Do what you enjoy and don’t feel like you have to figure out EXACTLY what you want to do in your future career/life. If you need guidance or advice, networking with people who are in the field you’re interested in is a great way to gain knowledge. Also, if you feel like university isn’t for you, don’t feel like university is the only way forward. Doing apprenticeships and paid internships are also just as invaluable.
What achievement have you been most proud of post sixth form?
Graduating university, getting the opportunity to do my registration portfolio to become a Biomedical Scientist (which is highly competitive) and securing a job afterwards.
What do you aspire to be doing in 5 years time?
I’d like to do a Master’s degree and then complete my specialist training to become a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Haematology and Blood Transfusion.
