Margaux Isbecque

What was your main motivation to undertake postgraduate study?

To progress into a career that inspires and excites me and can also take me to different places in the world.

What were the factors that influenced your decision making when considering postgraduate study?

Location, institution/academic reputation, cost of living, cost of getting home.

What were, if any, the main challenges that affected your decision about postgraduate study? How did you overcome them?

I had to consider the cost of living in London (especially as I do not get the nursing bursary), being somewhere that was still close enough to family, the number of years that I would be back at university and also if I would be able to get temporary work to fund myself. I managed to get temporary work at City by signing up to be an ambassador and also do bank shifts as a healthcare assistant. While this has not always been possible with the university schedule and placements, it has been a great way to get some extra cash on my available days. I also researched and managed to get a small loan which has helped me with rent.

Why did you choose City?

I chose to apply to City because of its fantastic reputation and ideal location. I chose to study here because of the brilliant way in which my application was handled and the general great vibes when I visited. I had to fly over from abroad for my interview and someone from the team organised for me to have my assessments and interview (if I passed the entrance tests!) on the same day. Once these were over, he even showed myself and my partner around the university himself and recommended some places to visit afterwards as we were new to London. The university had such a great feel to it and people were so friendly.

What has been your student experience at City so far?

My student experience at City so far has been very positive. Lecturers are dedicated to their fields of study and approachable with regards to course content. We are on a very demanding course; however, we are very well guided by our lecturers and tutors. City is smaller than the first university I went to and it has been nice to be within a smaller group/cohort, we have all got to know each other through the course and placements.

How studying a postgraduate degree has helped you develop personally and professionally?

Studying a postgraduate degree has helped me to develop personally in the sense that I am now sure of what career I want to pursue and has also been a great opportunity to meet new people. Professionally, I feel I have learnt more transferable skills from this degree such as communication, team building and leadership skills.

What skills and knowledge do you think the course has helped you develop?

The course has definitely helped me consolidate my biological/anatomical knowledge. It has also taught me many basic nursing skills that I have already used in practice and will continue to do so. Having simulated practice before we went into placement was absolutely key as I had no previous healthcare experience.

What opportunities and experiences City has offered you during your course?

Being able to work at City when free has been fantastic to help me earn some extra money. City has links with fantastic hospitals and the opportunity to train with a good Trust has been great. The fact that some of the lecturers are also pioneers in their relevant fields is brilliant. Access to online resources and the extensive library has been very helpful for research.

What advice would you give to people thinking about postgraduate study? What would you have liked to know then that you know now?

Just plan ahead, really manage your finances and recognise how much motivation is needed to get back into studying.

What are your career plans once you have completed your postgraduate degree?

I plan to finish my top up hours before starting my first job as an adult nurse. I am going to try to do some of my hours abroad, in France, so that I can experience the different role of a nurse there and a different healthcare system. I will then return to London and hopefully finish my top up hours on my future ward to be. I have no idea exactly which direction my career is going in but that is the exciting thing about nursing, that it is so broad.

How do you think City has equipped you for the next stage in your career journey?

City has provided ample help with the availability of Learning Support services and also Career Services guidance. The course has struck a good balance between the necessary practical skills and the more abstract human/psychological side of nursing.