Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Aida Noor, Outreach Volenteer @ PMI UAE Chapter
How could you describe your career path in a few words?
I would say my career path was interesting. In a sense, it wasn’t just graduating and land on a job. My career journey started after graduating. I hold a degree in Biochemistry, a master’s degree in biomedical science and recently a postgraduate degree in healthcare management. I believe as a scientist you need to be multi-disciplined. After completing my first Master's, I started my career as a research Scientist in scientific research. I worked at a drug discovery company. Then I wanted to explore the clinical side of my career in the diagnostic laboratory, I wanted to become a biomedical scientist (BMS). As a BMS I conduct and investigate a range of laboratory and scientific tests to support the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of a wide range of diseases. We specialise in one of four areas: infection sciences, blood sciences, cell sciences or genetics and molecular pathology. I specialised in Infectious Sciences.
To become a qualified Biomedical Scientist in the UK, you need to gain the required qualification and get your degrees accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and become registered by two organisation Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
So, I needed to go back to university to study additional modules, in addition to that I needed to complete a training portfolio in an accredited laboratory to become a qualified BMS. It is a rewarding career. So, it was a long but doable process.
What was your most challenging experience, and it has changed your mindset?
Being a scientist is a challenging profession, particularly as we are experiencing disruptive transformation not just in healthcare but in every sector. It requires continuous studying, training, and progression to keep up to date with the latest scientific research to make people’s lives better. To become successful in science you need to be ambitious and success-driven, you also must keep reviewing your journey and re-check your path because the road to success is a continuous journey and has its challenges that you must overcome. I recently gained a certificate in Digital health. I enjoy a career that offers me continuous learning, personal and professional progression to make a difference for a world free from disease.
When you get surprised by unusual or uncertain context, what do you think?
I always think positively about any change, and I see it as a chance for something better, and I always think about what opportunity waits behind it. I would share my recent experience working during the pandemic. While working during those years I saw it as an opportunity to review my professional journey in the UK. It made me look at my profession from a different perspective. I am so passionate about personal and professional development. I gained a postgraduate qualification in healthcare management. Studying has helped me mentally it was a great distraction for me and since then I explored more. I returned in 2022 to the UAE and I am excited about my new professional journey.
What’s the key success factor for a female entrepreneur in cross-cultural context based on your experience?
In my opinion, is the mindset. Is to believe that you can make a difference.
I chose science because I wanted to make a difference. I am the only one in my family who chose to become a scientist. It is hard work, but I believed that I could do it and I did. I had my ups and downs, but I carried on. I consider myself a scientist with a vision and I encourage other females to not fear becoming one and making an impact in the STEM fields
Based on your experience, what’s the key success factor for a female leader/manager?
Do not believe in limitations and it is never too late to start again.
Life is full of challenges some we don’t have control of such as the economy and as we have recently experienced the pandemic. On top of that, we are experiencing disruptive changes, so at any point, change can happen, and you may need to start all over again. I always say be prepared to change don’t wait for it. Change is an essential part of life. Change is the only constant
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