Finding the right path
Karen's story
Finding the right path
When Karen Critchley graduated with a degree in Fine Art from LJMU she was not at all sure what she wanted to do with her life. Some 14 years on she has a Masters in Public Health under her belt and a flourishing career at the Public Health Institute.
“When I left school I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” admits Karen. “I actually started a course in Dance and PE before I came to LJMU but I really didn’t enjoy it and so I left quite early on.”
Karen decided to study Fine Art at LJMU having enjoyed the subject at school. “On graduation I realised I had two choices: to be a professional artist or a teacher,” she says. “Sadly I didn’t want to do either of those things so I volunteered with community groups teaching dance and worked in bars for a while before joining an employment agency to look for something more permanent.”
As luck would have it, Karen’s agency sent her to work at the Public Health Institute. “In December 2006 I was employed by LJMU and seven years later I was asked if I would like to study for a Masters in Public Health,” she recalls.
Jumping at the chance to gain a qualification in the sector, Karen was nervous about studying a subject she had never studied before. “Obviously my significant work experience was a real help - as was the fact that I was being taught by my colleagues,” she smiles. “My studies gave me a real understanding of the importance and value of our work. They also enabled me to develop key skills in statistical analysis which I now use on a day-to-day basis.”
Currently working as the Criminal Justice Project Lead in the Intelligence and Surveillance team at the Public Health Institute, Karen loves the variety of her work. “Sometimes I’ll be doing statistical work at my desk but often I’m out meeting stakeholders and attending meetings representing the Public Health Institute,” she smiles. “Every day is different.”
So, looking back, could the 21 year old Karen have ever envisaged being where she is now? “Not at all!” she says. “I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a Public Health Institute when I was that age. I think there are lots of people who don’t know what career they want, the education system forces them to choose at a young age. People should realise that there’s nothing wrong with changing your path and trying something different. I am very happy that I was able to do it as I am now in a job that I love.”
Read more stories like this in MasterPlan – the LJMU magazine for postgraduate students.
If, like Karen, you’re interested in a career in public health, take a look at our postgraduate courses today.
Interested?Keen to discover how you could finance postgraduate study? Take a look at our fees and funding information. Want to explore the postgraduate lifestyle? See our dedicated web pages for taught and research students. And if you are ready to find your perfect fit, take a look at our range of over 140 taught masters courses and research opportunities. |