I had a great time at College: I was highly into Sport, especially football, and my goal was to become a professional footballer. I loved all the sporting events and visiting other venues to play football. It was also great having a gym on-site, where I was a regular. Socialising in the Refectory was also fun, as I could catch up with all my friends on different courses.

Halfway through my College studies, I realised having a back-up career was important. I kept flipping between various ideas such as a Physical Education teacher or Physiotherapist, then I found out more about life as a Paramedic. I knew this was now my plan. Already a year in, I needed to change some of my courses to support this career goal. The College helped me to research what I needed to get to study Paramedic Science and suggested some swaps.

As someone with dyslexia, I did find myself struggling with my Physical Education exams but got a huge amount of support with decoding questions and exam technique from the Head of Department. I brought myself up two whole grades and his approach helped me hugely with my further studies.

After College, I did an extra year elsewhere, gaining a BTEC in Health and Social Care to increase my UCAS points further. Alongside that, I continued to be a Lifeguard and teaching swimming. These responsibilities, plus my knowledge of first aid, all helped to show my commitment to health care. Next, I applied to multiple universities and while I secured interviews, I wasn’t getting offers. Feedback from one university suggested joining St John’s Ambulance to gain experience. It was through this I learnt you could work towards being a Paramedic by joining the ambulance service.

First, I worked as an Emergency Medical Advisor, answering local 999 calls and from there I moved on to be a Resource Dispatcher for the ambulance fleet. After 2 years’ service in the Control Centre, I secured a role as an Emergency Care Support Worker helping paramedics on the front line. A year after this, I applied to be a Paramedic from within the service. This meant enrolling on a three-year degree, from which I walked away with First Class Honours. I now work front line as a Paramedic and now hope to study for a three-year Master’s degree to aid my progression to Paramedic Practitioner.

What I love about being a Paramedic is the freedom of driving to different locations and situations every time as it never feels repetitive. I enjoy meeting new people and helping members of the public who are in need. Work colleagues turn into family because you spend so much time together you become very close. Yes, you have to work 24/7 shifts including Christmas, Bank Holidays and weekends but you do get weekdays off and I personally I don’t think I could work 9-5 Monday to Friday. Recently I had a baby and work have been so supportive and flexible – my new shift patterns mean I get to spend good quality time with him in the week.

It’s never too late to swap a subject if you decide on a career change, or you can take up another subject as an adult to help with a career change, so don’t feel like you’re ‘stuck’. There is usually an alternative way into something, so ask around, speak to people doing the job that you want to do and ask how they got there. Seek out experience! Join St John’s or British Red Cross to get a feel for the job. And look into applying for call taking, medicine packing or working in hospital – all these jobs are available from the age of 16. Doing this really helps you get a feel for the job before joining and will help with university applications or joining the service.

A career in paramedic science is not like it seems in TV – a lot of day-to-day jobs are dealing with minor injuries and illness, and a key part is being sociable. The hours are long and you can miss out on socialising, but there are perks and downsides to any job. While certain incidents can be tough and scary, you always have good support around you and great colleagues who are willing to help and lighten the day. Plus, you also have amazing jobs like delivering a baby, saving a life or simply making someone smile!

Ella Beagley

Reigate College: 2011-2013

Additional Further Education: BTEC Health and Social Care

Higher Education: Paramedic Science, St George’s Hospital (University of London)

Currently: Paramedic with South East Coast Ambulance (SECAMB)