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Physiotherapy alumnus career journey since graduating

Physiotherapy alumnus career journey since graduating

Published: 09 Nov 2023

Alexander  Ward

Brunel was a university that really made me feel like I wasn’t just ‘another number’. Brunel really cares about providing high quality education, no matter the circumstances.

Alexander , Postgraduate, Alumni

Physiotherapy Asssistant, Hamilton Physio and Rehab & SMILE Therapy for Kids

Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc - 2022

From Canada

Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?

Since I graduated from Brunel, I have taken my career in different directions. I’ve worked in the neurological paediatrics population for the last year, as well as working part time at an MSK physiotherapy clinic. Additionally, I have also been working on a research paper with my former Brunel professors

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

For myself, I assist in the facilitating care for children with neurological disabilities. Some roles include orthosis measurements, functional exercise practice (e.g., stairs, sit to stand), and jobs specific to our client’s respective impairment (e.g., soft tissue releases for spasticity, contracture management, and gait aid adjustments).

What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?

For myself, I have been able to manage two concurrent jobs whilst graduating Brunel, while also studying for my entrance exams in Canada. I feel like I have been able to engage in a new area of study and feel that I could potentially specialize after attaining my license.

How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?

At Brunel, my various modules prepared me with the knowledge and clinical reasoning to enter any practice. For example, working in a speciality area like paediatrics was a smooth transition, aided by my quality education on the fundamentals of physiotherapy, high level clinical reasoning, and the ability to form an appropriate therapeutic alliance.

Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?

Brunel was a university that really made me feel like I wasn’t just ‘another number’. As the program began, our Brunel professors made so many adjustments to the program to accommodate those who could not attend because of travel restrictions, and this said to me that Brunel really cares about providing high quality education, no matter the circumstances. As the program continued, this was realized even more and I know that I couldn’t choose a better university to give me the fundamentals to enter any setting.

What is your best memory of studying here?

I had many amazing memories, but I really enjoyed the tutorial groups and especially when we all finished our first exams. As exam season can be stressful, finishing with my classmates was an amazing experience since we had all bonded through the stress of the program, but also assisted each other in growing as physiotherapists. Therefore, it was so motivating for me to see my classmates succeeding at the same time I did, and I still think back to those memories of shared success.

If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?

I would say to follow whatever opportunities come your way. As an international student, the ease of travel around London, as well as the numerous volunteer opportunities that were provided to us to engage in, was great for me. I feel like I was exposed to so many more educational opportunities in addition to my degree. For myself, these opportunities included working with stroke patients, professional rugby players, and assisting in various events like the London Marathon. So, take full advantage of the time you have in London; who knows what you’ll experience!

What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?

Maintain your skill and always push your education further. Never remain stagnant and remain a student the rest of life, which will allow you to grow your skills, market yourself better, and be a more effective worker in all aspects of life

#IamBrunel