Vocational studies set Georgina up for life

Georgina Heard had planned a clear pathway following her secondary education at Linton Village College, having secured a place at Hills Road Sixth Form to her complete A-level studies. An unexpected recommendation of a new course being developed at Cambridge Regional College resulted in Georgina re-assessing her post 16 choice.

Although reluctant to change her plans, Georgina explored the BTEC Level 3 Healthcare Science course further and found that the practical elements of the course suited her learning style much more than academic studies would. Upon applying to the course, Georgina accepted a place at CRC and commenced her studies alongside a 2- day work placement at Addenbrookes Hospital. 

Georgina said, “I liked the college environment and found the course tutor to be incredibly approachable and friendly. I opted to study A Level Biology alongside the BTEC, but found this level of study difficult. This is when I realised how grateful I was to have the opportunity to study a BTEC. The delivery of learning suited me so much more. I enjoyed using the science labs and IT suite, and really felt very at home at CRC.” 

Working at Addenbrookes Hospital enhanced Georgina’s learning with a practical, hands-on insight into working in the Healthcare sector and her placement in the Cardiology and Nuclear Medicine department piqued her interest. 

Georgina added, “I really enjoyed working in Cardiology and Nuclear Medicine and decided that I would pursue a career in Cardiology. Upon completion of my BTEC, I was offered a place to study a degree at Anglia Ruskin University that followed a similar format to that experienced at CRC. The work experience I gained while studying my degree contributed to my overall grade and I passed my degree in Clinical Physiology in 2010.” 

Upon graduating, Georgina accepted a role as a Cardiac Physiologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital before moving over to Papworth Hospital, where she worked in a team providing more complicated medical services, something that she found very interesting. Some years later, Georgina was offered a Senior Technician role at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, but she felt it was time for a change. 

“I was offered a position back at Addenbrooke’s as a Senior Technician but found that I had started to lose enthusiasm for my work. I put my CV on an employment site in the hope of finding something a little different and my next career move found me! I was approached by a company producing medical devices as they were looking for people with hospital or medical devices experience. I explored the opportunity further and took a leap into a new career. I started working in an environment where I was able to put my love of healthcare and technical skills together to help train and support medical departments in the use of flexible endoscopes across the East Midlands.”

In 2015, following the birth of her first child, Georgina felt that the field based role she had been doing was not something she could return to, so started to search for her next opportunity. After a short time searching for a new position, Georgina accepted a Sales and Marketing role at a private hospital. The knowledge and experience gained working within hospitals coupled with that gained in training and support medical teams meant that Georgina was well-placed to take on the role. Georgina enjoyed 5 years of working as a Sales and Marketing Manager, working with consultants, and setting up training for GPs but an advert for a Marketing Manager with a company producing Cardiac devices caught her attention and she decided to make the move back to Cardiology.

“The role of Marketing Manager promoting Cardiac devices is one that encompasses everything I have learnt to date. I am working within a field that I am enthusiastic about, and my background makes it possible for me to do the job confidently, with a sound knowledge of the specialist area. My experience at CRC has set me up for life with the skills and knowledge that I needed to achieve my degree and move forward into a variety of roles that I have enjoyed in my career so far!”