As part of our Summer 2023 graduation ceremonies, we caught up with a number of our incredible students.
Hearing all about their experience studying with Arden University, as well as what may come next for them, we spoke to students like Indira, who studied for a BSc in Healthcare Management.
Studying full-time through our blended learning approach, Indira received was awarded her degree with First Class Honours and was the winner of the Undergraduate Arden Achiever Award for the School of Health and Care Management.
With a passion for helping others, we spoke to Indira about her time studying with us.
Hi Indira, what sort of things did you learn about on your course?
It was a diverse course that really taught me a lot about what is going on in the healthcare sector at the moment: things like shortages of staff. It also taught about how to open my own business, where I can get funding, inclusion and diversity, and putting the patient needs first and taking their wishes into consideration.
Why did you want to study with Arden?
My first career was a police officer and I used to work with vulnerable people. I enjoy helping people, especially the elderly.
So, when I came to the UK, in 2016, I applied for jobs and ended up applying for university. I said, ‘Okay, let me give it a try’. So, I did, and I have no regrets. I enjoyed the course to the max, it was a brilliant course.
How did you find blended learning?
It was great. I spent two days in the classroom for four hours, and the other study time you have to do in private. I really enjoyed it.
If anyone is interested in doing health and care it is the best thing to do, because you get hands on knowledge of everything that is going on in the sector.
What do you want to do now that you've finished your degree?
At the moment I'm part working part time, but my aim is to do my master's in social work, or in global health.
I'm even thinking of opening up a private business where I work with dementia patients, because I like working with people, and I enjoy talking to them, because you get a lot of experience and things from them. So yeah, that's my goal.
You've won an award with us today for your success, how does that feel?
I'm still in awe because I was not expecting it at all. I'm still surprised. But I'm very grateful and appreciate that they have seen my hard work, and they have taken that into consideration.
What do you think it was that gave you the motivation to work so hard for it?
Well, I'm the kind of person that is a go getter. Once I start something, I must get to the end. Also I have a child, so I have to set an example for him to know that you can achieve what you set your mind to. So, that was my biggest motivation.
How did you find the sort of the stresses of balancing full time study than with being a parent?
It wasn't difficult, because I teach my child to be independent. So, he knows how to do certain things. And, when he's in school, I have time then to do my studying, my reading, and my research, when he's from school.
What was your favourite thing about Arden?
One of my tutors, Natalie Quinn Walker, was really good. She pushed us to the limit. The more you gave to Natalie, the she would say “go more in depth,”. So, you just keep going and going, and the more in depth you go, the more you get a better knowledge and understanding of what you're really doing.
What do you think makes a good worker in the health care sector?
First of all, if you’re working in healthcare management, you must show patients you are reliable, and you have to learn to listen. That is a key skill, listening, as is effective communication.
As someone who is graduating, what advice would you give to someone who is considering starting their own journey in education?
I would tell them go for it. It will be challenging, I’m not taking anything away from that, but when you want something in life, you have to go through the challenges to reap the reward.
So, I would advise anyone that is willing or wanting to go into the healthcare sector, go for it! It's really rewarding.
And finally, you’re graduating today. How does it feel to be here?
Brilliant. I still can’t get over it. But it's an awesome feeling. I'm feeling very, very good within myself at the moment.
To find out more about Arden University's courses, click here now
