Aqil
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Aqil graduated with a degree in BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science from the University of Bradford in 2017. He went on to secure a financially rewarding career in pharmaceutical sales, but more recently, he has followed his dreams to become a teacher.
This is Aqil's story...
Meant to be
"My original plan was to study medicine."
"When I was rejected for medicine courses at university, I didn't have a back-up plan. I actually landed upon the Biomedical Science course at Bradford through Clearing, and while it wasn't my original choice, I wouldn't have it any other way now.
"My plan was to reapply for medicine after I'd completed the Biomedical Science degree, but in the end, I didn't feel I needed to. The career opportunities were very much open."
A fantastic opportunity
“I moved to London to work in pharmaceutical sales.”
"When I was looking into career paths after university, I knew I didn’t want to work in labs. Someone told me about pharmaceutical sales, which sounded like a good fit for my strengths and skills, so I started applying for roles when I graduated. I got a job in Essex and moved to London for three years.
"My science degree had given me a broad knowledge of prescription drugs and the medical environment, which meant I was able to hold my own in a room full of doctors, surgeons and medical professionals. I enjoyed the job and it was well paid, but it was very target-driven and I was out on the road a lot, which became tiresome after a while."
I now tell my students to apply to Bradford - it’s great!
Taking a different path
“I now teach Biology to A level students.”
"I moved back to Lancashire in 2021 to embark on a two-year PGCE course, working full-time as a teacher while completing my teaching qualification. I’d always fancied teaching and wanted a role where I was constantly surrounded by people and being inspired by others, but never imagined I’d actually do it.
"I now teach Biology to A level students at the college I studied at. I often help my students understand the subject through what I learnt on my degree, giving them examples of what I did at university. It’s been a big change, and there’s no more company cars or flash iPads, but I absolutely love it. I’ll qualify this year and have a job for life. I just want to become the best teacher I can be."
Skills for life
“The scientific knowledge the degree gave me has helped me throughout my career.”
"But I’m also so grateful for all the other experience and skills I gained at uni, like managing time, being independent, and speaking to people from different walks of life and cultures. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the University of Bradford."
Interested in a career in Biomedical Science?
Find out more about our course, entry requirements, and how to apply.