Maham Arshad is a Senior Clinical Pharmacist with East London Foundation Trust. Maham has also set up a special 6 month long mentoring programme called Empower for young people this year. Maham is a former A Level and Honours Programme student at NewVIc. She came from Plashet School and studied A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and History and an AS Level in Physics. She progressed onto study an undergraduate degree at Kingston University to study MPharm (Hons.) Pharmacy. We caught up with Maham to find out a little more on her journey since NewVIc.

WHAT MADE YOU APPLY TO NEWVIC?

There were several reasons for me to choose NewVIc. I knew that I wanted to go to university to eventually work in healthcare. The college is well connected with universities for example King’s and Barts. This meant that I was able to help get the right support during my application process.

Additionally, NewVIc offered the Honours Programme where specialist guidance and opportunities were provided.

A few more reasons to apply to NewVIc were the extra-curricular activities, flexible approach to education and fantastic facilities like the learning resource centre.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY FROM NEWVIC TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

After completing my A levels at NewVIc, I went onto Kingston University to study a Master of Pharmacy degree. After graduating in 2018, I moved to Wales to complete my year-long pre-registration training.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE POSITION THAT YOU ARE IN?

After passing my registration exam in , I returned to London to a Pharmacist role at South London and Maudsley Trust. Here, I had the chance to grow as a pharmacist and develop my clinical skills. Currently, I am a Senior Clinical Pharmacist at East London Foundation Trust.

WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORIES OF NEWVIC?

Although college was only two years only, I have great memories of my time there. Not only has it been a place where teachers have helped me grow academically but also a place where I have met lovely people that I am still friends with today.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR STUDENTS CONSIDERING NEWVIC AND PURSUING A CAREER LIKE YOU?

NewVIc offers a great programme such as the Honours Programme which I went on and has helped me learn more about the healthcare profession. Additionally, the college has helped me with organising work experience and a DBS check. I would encourage you all to find out about all the opportunities available to you whilst you study at NewVIc.

HOW DID YOU FIND THE TEACHING AT NEWVIC? DID IT PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR NEXT EDUCATIONAL STEP?

NewVIc unlike other sixth forms, provides a flexible approach to your education. This approach encourages students to take ownership of their own workload and learning. This approach to education has proven very beneficial to me when managing my time at university. It has also encouraged a great work ethic.

WHAT WERE YOUR NEXT STEPS AFTER LEAVING COLLEGE?

After completing my A Levels at NewVIc, I went onto Kingston University, to study a degree in Pharmacy.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU CAME TO NEWVIC?

Before attending NewVIc I would describe myself as an ambitious and self-motivated young person. I have always been an opportunistic individual which meant that I had an eye out for things that would help me learn, develop and save money!

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

Professionally, my plan is to enhance by training as a pharmacist and educator. I intend to become a teaching practitioner, splitting my time as a hospital pharmacist and university lecturer. Outside of work, I plan on getting more involved in youth and community work.