Post-graduate qualification leads to satisfying work for Pam
Pam MartinPam Martin says of her job that: “It doesn’t feel like working- that’s how much I enjoy it”’
Since gaining her postgraduate qualification from Bangor University, Pam is employed as a Research Officer and Trials Coordinator at the University. She’s currently visiting people across north Wales who have recently been given a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease and recruiting them to take part in research trials. For the current trials, people are asked to carry out various mental tasks. These form the basis of the research results, and the people taking part often even enjoy them! She also visits people who have not had a diagnosis and almost everyone is seen in their own home, though some choose to attend the university. Pam, originally from Holyhead, now living outside Beaumaris, needs her PhD qualification to do this job- a qualification she gained from Bangor University in January 2010.
Pam says “I think I’ve been lucky to find a subject and work that really interests me. I enjoy travelling around the region and visiting people, hearing about their lives so far; it’s fascinating. I also feel that the research we’re doing is worthwhile as it helps to understand a little more about Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.”
Having left school at 16, Pam, who is now 41, originally worked as an auxiliary nurse- but at the time nurse training was changing to became degree based. Pam didn’t have the qualifications or want to follow a degree at that time. In the intervening years, Pam has been a welder, a coastguard, and part owner of a fishing boat, among a variety of careers.
Pam receiving her post-graduate degree at Bangor UniversityPam came to Bangor University as a mature student having followed an access course. After graduating in Psychology she worked at the School of Psychology as a research assistant for a number of years and had not necessarily considered following a higher degree.
“The opportunity arose to follow a combined MSc and PhD course and I saw it as a chance to learn more about subjects that interested me and also as a further four years of work” she says.
A postgraduate qualification can enhance your CV, can open doors to new career opportunities or help you to move forward or change direction in your current career.
Bangor University’s next Postgraduate Courses Fair takes place on Friday 18 February 2011 between 12.30 – 2.30. Anybody interested in postgraduate study at Bangor is most welcome to attend, and take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the many different postgraduate programmes that are currently available. Pre-register for the event online via the University’s website at: http://www.bangor.ac.uk/pgfair/contactus.php.en
Publication date: 14 February 2011