My journey began in September 2020, when I started a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science (SES) at Plymouth MarJon University. This was a challenging time to start university. The first national COVID‑19 lockdown had only recently ended, and my A‑level exams had been cancelled just months before. Despite the uncertainty, I was excited to begin a new chapter in my life and to experience living away from home for the first time.

I had offers from several universities, including Loughborough University and Leeds Trinity University, but I chose SES because of my background as a competitive swimmer. I was fascinated by how elite athletes push their bodies to the limit and wanted to understand how performance and health could be optimised. As my studies progressed into my second and third years, my interests naturally expanded beyond elite sport and into general health, wellbeing, and occupational health.

University life was not without its challenges. My first year was particularly disrupted by COVID restrictions, making learning and social engagement difficult. Although later years improved, the academic demands increased, and at times I found it difficult to achieve the grades I was aiming for. Throughout this period, support from friends, fellow students, and my family played a crucial role in helping me stay motivated and resilient.

As I approached the end of my undergraduate degree, I decided to pursue a Master’s qualification. This decision was driven by several factors: no one in my family had previously completed an MSc, I wanted to challenge myself academically, and I hoped it would help me stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.

During my undergraduate placement and throughout my Master’s, I spent significant time working in the university sports laboratories. I supported elite performance testing and carried out general health assessments for members of the public and emergency service workers. These assessments included blood pressure measurements, glucose and cholesterol testing, and body composition analysis. This experience was my first exposure to a professional health environment and played a major role in preparing me for my future career.

During my Master’s year, I was increasingly trusted to work independently in the labs, supporting athletes and overseeing health checks. Alongside my studies, I also worked part‑time as a mentor for a GCSE science student who was underachieving. Helping a young person work towards their goals was incredibly rewarding and gave me a sense of fulfilment that closely mirrors what I now experience when supporting workers with their health.

I graduated with a 2:1 in my undergraduate degree and a merit in my Master’s, completing my MSc in October 2024. However, finding employment in the Sport and Exercise Science field proved challenging. I applied for dozens of roles and often received rejection emails, or no response at all. During this period, I returned to work in retail and care roles to maintain an income and broaden my work experience.

After several months, I reassessed my career direction and began applying for roles in occupational health (OH). Although it was initially frustrating to struggle for work in the field I had studied for four years, I soon recognised how well my skills aligned with the role of an OH Technician. The opportunity to work across different locations and industries particularly appealed to me.

In February 2025, five months after submitting my MSc thesis, I started full‑time employment as an OHT with Kays Medical, having interviewed for the role while on a skiing holiday in the French Alps.

As a Technician, my role is to help ensure workers are safe and fit for their working environment. I carry out health surveillance, provide advice on improving general health, and support organisations in meeting health and safety and PPE requirements. While I cannot diagnose medical conditions, I play a key role in identifying risks and guiding workers towards appropriate follow‑up support.

My role involves a wide range of assessments, including audiometry, lung function testing (including respirable crystalline silica), hand‑arm vibration assessments, safety‑critical medicals, driver and forklift medicals, drug and alcohol testing, and glucose and cholesterol testing. I realised that occupational health allowed me to apply my knowledge in a practical, people‑focused way across many different industries

To qualify for this role, I undertook thorough training with Kays Medical, including an intensive induction programme, weeks of supervised shadowing across the UK, and completion of a Level 3 OHT qualification aligned with SEQOHS standards. Ongoing training and development remain essential, including refresher courses and specialist preparation for sectors such as rail.

This role requires flexibility, with travel across the UK and frequent last‑minute schedule changes. However, this variety is one of the aspects I enjoy most. In under 14 months, I have worked at over 45 worksites across a wide range of industries, always with the same goal: supporting workers’ health and safety.