3rd Year Dilemma

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I’m currently an undergraduate student studying podiatry at UWIC, I’m half way through my 3rd year now and having to seriously weigh up my options for the future. As the majority of posts on this site are from fully qualified podiatrists I thought I would ask your opinion. My dilemma is ‘what to do once qualified’ e.g. NHS work, private sector work, further education, emigration or HOLIDAY!.....Help.

 

Alasd4ir,
You probably won't want to hear " if I were your age, I would ...." from a 'mature' pod but I'm going to say it anyway.
When I was first qualified I had a great opportunity to work in a practice in Johannesburg, South Africa. I dithered about it because I was in what I thought was a "meaningful relationship"and eventually I turned it down. The relationship ended shortly after :boohoo: and I ended up with no job prospects and no man.

So I went into private practice.

I would say that if you have the opportunity to travel and work abroad, take it. You will gain valuable experience both personally and professionally. A good pod degree will open a lot of doors for you if you will let it.

Good luck

Catfoot

 

Hi Alasd4ir,

Personally I would recommend working in the NHS straight from uni (I actually think it should be mandatory). Just my opinion you understand.

Ian

 

Why choose? Perhaps a couple of part time positions, one NHS and one private. This would give you great experience and a much better insight as to where you want your career to go.

 

Hi,
I went straight in the NHS after graduating and loved every minute of it - but due to a move of location forfamily reasons I relocated and ended up banking for the NHS as well as providing locum for private practices, and starting my own!
I always wanted to start my own private practice but it was always going to be in the future, but being able to have support, training, advice, and support from experienced NHS and private pods - made it a viable option - and so far I've not looked back

 

Hi

I agree with Ian and Pod at Home - the NHS is a fantastic place to get your initial experience. That doesn't have to be full time, but if you can get a good post after you graduate with proper supervision and training, you will learn so much to take forward for the rest of your career. Good luck for your finals

 

Alasd4ir

I thoroughly enjoy working in Private practice which has many rewards, but I am not sure I could have done this straight from graduating. I believe the NHS offers variety, support and opportunities which provide invaluable experience when newly qualified and provides a good basis for if you decide to set up in business. Speak to other pods for advice and if you can, find a good mentor.

Good Luck

 

Hi Alasd4ir,

Ive worked in both NHS (4 years) and private practice (10 years).

I can tell you that my own experience in the NHS was not good. Im not saying you shouldnt give it a go but am advising that if you choose to go that route dont be put off Podiatry if you dont enjoy it. I spent 4 years at Uni only to nearly throw the towel in after 2 years of working in the NHS. I know alot of people who enjoy their work in the NHS so this is only MY experience but thought you should hear it. It also depends on what your interests are. For example if you have a biomechanical MSK focus these positions are hard to get in the NHS and you can quickly become de-skilled in these areas when not working in them no matter how many courses you attend. I stuck out the NHS for 4 years in total then moved abroad. I have been working in private practice overseas for 10 years now and never looked back.

MY advice : go traveling for a few months (6months tops) have some fun, see what Podiatry is like abroad (pop into a few clinics) then make a decision.

If your applying for an NHS role don’t just take the first thing your offered, be picky, make sure you are offered a proper career path.

If your good at what you do and passionate about Podiatry don’t feel like you have to ‘do your time’ in the NHS. Take Private Practice by the balls and GO FOR IT !

Good luck

 

Hiya Al,

I think the most important thing is to sit and work out what exactly YOU want, because at the end of the day you are the one who is going to be doing the job.

On a piece of paper write the pros and cons of each type of work and then decide which one is best suited for you and your needs.

However, start looking for jobs now as there is competition for NHS places and now private practise as a result.
Be willing to give things a chance.
Be willing to push yourself and challenge yourself.
Above all, make sure you take time after the finals for a couple of weeks mental break and collapse :drinks you will have earned it!!

Tracy
ps- I'm now in Australia, a place I never dreamed I would be, and its one of best decisions I ever made

 

Hi Alasd4ir

In my opinion which ever route you go, i.e. NHS, private, emigration or holiday, it should include the prospect of postgraduate education coupled with your final decision. So perhaps postgraduate certificate; postgraduate diploma or better yet a Masters.

 

hi,

being realistic for the moment have you looked at the NHS jobs website? there isn't a lot on there.
when i graduated 3 years ago i was desperate to get nhs work-but there wasn't even anything i could apply for within a 50 mile radius of home so i went to private practice. i thought an nhs job would come up. it didn't. i love PP but still feel ive missed out and i also think at least 12 months post grad nhs should be mandatory.

i would say take what ever work you can get, its all experience.

 

Thank you all for you comments back, it has all been very positive and uplifting that I received such a positive response from my first post.

Important decisions will now have to be made over the coming month upon my future. Ideally the NHS would be the place I would like to gain some experience, although currently with the job situation this may prove difficult.

Looking forwards to posting more in the future.

Once again thanks

Alasdair

 

I graduated on the wednesday and opened private practice the following week.. I remember sitting there waiting for the phone to ring, nervous about treating my first patient blah blah .
I suggest to throw youself into private practice. The most rewarding years of my life...
Just my opinion.

FDCB

 

The world's your oyster!
I'd travel for 12 months, even if it means doing locum work to get some experience, cash, and gain some social networking collegues along the way.
Ciao.
Ninja11

 

Hi Alasd4ir.
I was fortunate enough to be able to travel frequently throughout my podiatry studies so did not feel the need to again immediately upon graduating.
And I'm glad now I didn't as I feel that putting all the skills I had just learnt over the last four years into practice immediately really helped me to consolidate my knowledge and get the most out of those endless hours of studying!
I have been working in private practice for two years now and thoroughly enjoy all of the challenges.
Good luck!
Lisa