Hello! I just received my GMC and my CoS, and just waiting for my visa. I thought of sharing with you my UK journey to inspire those who are in the process of job application or those who are thinking about it.
My journey began 5 years ago. I came from Philippines and took my Internal Medicine there, but I always desired of leaving my home country. On my final year of IM training, I began to apply in UK. I sent emails to all deanery asking for IMT post. Out of all the emails I sent, only 1 came back – from Wales. Initially they offered me a post, but eventually withdrew it. Of course, I was devastated. But I persevered.
Then, I stumbled upon an opportunity in Singapore. I always wanted to become a Haematologist, and I got a job opportunity in Haematology there, which I couldn’t pass, so I took a detour. But I have never forgotten about the UK. My time in Singapore opened so many doors which helped me towards my ultimate goal of working in the UK. It was indeed a stepping stone, as it was where I completed my MRCP and FRCPath Part 1, while I gained a significant amount of experience in Haematology.
I started to apply for jobs in Haematology in March 2020. For me, the place didn’t matter. As long as it’s a post in Haematology, I will take it wherever I was given an opportunity.
I only applied for 3 jobs in Haematology – Associate specialist in Bristol, Specialty doctor in Hull and York. At the same time, I applied for a training post. I got shortlisted in all.
The associate specialist job in Bristol wasn’t given to me since I didn’t have NHS experience, but they offered me a Specialty Doctor job instead. I also got job offers for both Hull and York. I was shortlisted for the training post as well, but eventually didn’t push through after they waived the interview session during COVID. I was short of 2 points because my research wasn’t that strong. But it was a good thing in the end because I wouldn’t have been so confident to have a training job as my first job in the UK. I eventually accepted Hull because I very much liked the lead consultant and the team who interviewed me.
Although my CV may have strong points suited for the job – post graduate exams, few research, 2 audits, 5 years experience in Haematology – the thing that my interviewers were very much impressed about was my PERSONAL STATEMENT, which they have emphasized repeatedly at the end of the interview. For this, I wrote a 500-word essay about myself, my journey, my perspective, etc, and for some reason, it stood out and impressed them. This section may be easily neglected, but I believe that it’s something that they really take time to read because this is where they will get to know you, and where potentially will set you apart from the rest of the applicants.
So to close, the message I want to impart is:
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Never give up
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Be patient – if it’s for you, doors will open for you, at the right time and right place. I have proven this time and time again.
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Always be thankful
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Try to explore other options as well; don’t be afraid to make detours because you’ll be surprised with opportunities that await you.
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Put your heart and soul in your personal statement, because employers really take time to read them.
All the best!