Ogene originally trained as a doctor in Nigeria, where she worked as a GP and managed numerous social and community projects for girls and women. The University’s careers support gave her the confidence to take the first steps on a new career path.
A new passion sparked by personal experience
For Ogene, looking after her mum and dad at the end of their lives led to a growing interest in the care of older adults, and a desire to improve things for others.
While she knew it was the right thing to do, it was very stressful. “The support was not enough and I was burned out. My dad needed more care, and I, as the person looking after him, also needed care.”
In the last months of my dad’s life, I left everything I was doing and stayed with him. I decided I wasn’t going to be his doctor, or his cleaner, or his cook. I was just going to be his daughter and give him that company.
A holistic view of ageing and older people’s care
The experience led Ogene to explore a new career path. “Everyone thought because I was a doctor I would go into geriatric medicine, but I knew it was about more than medical treatment."
The MSc Gerontology at Southampton was exactly what I wanted – a course that addresses the social, biological, economic and psychological aspects of care.
Ogene, MSc Gerontology graduate.
Confidence-building careers support
Soon after starting her master’s, Ogene attended a session on navigating career paths. This prompted her to make one-to-one appointments with both her department’s careers adviser and the University’s Careers and Employability Service.
They were amazing. I hadn’t been in academia for so many years, and in Nigeria I had gone from one job to another without having to market myself or do interviews. They helped me identify what sorts of jobs I could aim for with my experience and skills. It helped build my self-confidence.
Ogene, MSc Gerontology graduate.
“I had been visiting the Southampton City Council’s employment team who connected me to a recruiting home care company. A University careers consultant helped me prepare for the recruitment process beforehand by doing a mock interview.”
Gaining care and policy experience
Ogene’s interview was a success and she secured a part-time role as a home care worker for older adults. “It’s very rewarding. When I cared for my parents, I would have liked to have had someone to help me – now I’m doing this for other people and I feel very fulfilled.”
To expand her experience, Ogene is doing two volunteer roles with Age UK – one at a day centre for older people, and another with the charity’s information and advice centre. She has also been invited to join a university-led group that will be developing policy and guidance on safeguarding for older people.
Looking ahead, Ogene intends to return to Nigeria and she’s excited about the many possibilities her master’s degree has opened up. "I’d like a role where I can do all the things I care about – research, policy and training, and hands-on work engaging with communities."
