Employability Bursary: GP Education Conference in Dundee
Read how a University of St Andrews student used the Employability Bursary to further their career.
What did you use the Employability Bursary for?
I attended the GP Education Conference in Dundee to present a project poster.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
I received an email to my student account from the Careers Centre.
Why did you choose this opportunity, and how does it support your future goals?
I was keen to pursue this opportunity to present my quality improvement project at the GP education conference as it provided an opportunity to present a my work and offered a platform to share my findings with professionals in the field. Attending the conference allowed me to engage with professionals in this area, gain valuable feedback on my project, and learn about other innovative initiatives in general practice.
This experience was particularly beneficial as it aligned with my future ambition of becoming a GP with a special interest in quality improvement and patient-centered care. Presenting my work not only improved my communication and presentation skills but also reinforced my confidence in contributing to meaningful changes in healthcare. It also deepened my understanding of the broader challenges and innovations in primary care, which will help me develop into a more effective and informed practitioner.
What did you gain from the experience, and how has it helped your employability?
I gained valuable skills in public speaking, presenting large amounts of information clearly, and engaging with healthcare professionals constructively. Presenting my quality improvement project at the GP education conference was a rewarding opportunity to share my work and receive feedback from experienced GPs, which helped me view my project from new perspectives and consider further improvements.
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, particularly the networking opportunities and the chance to learn from other attendees’ projects. The event reinforced my passion for improving patient care through quality improvement initiatives and has strengthened my ambition to pursue a career in general practice, with a focus on innovation and patient-centered care.
This experience has significantly benefited my employability by enhancing my confidence in professional communication, teamwork, and my ability to present ideas effectively—skills that are essential in any medical career. Additionally, the recognition I received for my work has demonstrated my commitment to improving healthcare delivery, a quality I believe will make me a strong candidate for future roles.
What advice would you give to other students thinking of applying for the Employability Bursary?
I would definitely recommend it. It’s a great way to make opportunities more manageable financially, especially if traveling like I did from Orkney – or other costs might have put you off. I would also advise any other application to just be honest about why the experience is important to them and how it could help them in the future.
For me, it was a great way to push myself and gain confidence, especially in areas where you get to mix with professionals in the field you want to progress into. The bursary makes it easier to put yourself into those kinds of environments.