Liz Shepherd is a business development manager for STEPPER EYEWEAR. Read on to discover what a day at work is like and find out whether this is a career that would suit you. My typical day ? No day is ever the same as a rep. My area covers the whole of the Midlands and I am never in the same place two days running. Monday I could be at an appointment selecting frames and Tuesday conducting a training session.…
If you are wondering where studying science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) could take you, turn to the the Eye Opening Careers podcast for inspiration. Hosts Gemma Drake, an early careers specialist, and optics educator Nas Hinglotwala are passionate about helping young people succeed. They talk to students, employers and university tutors about careers in science, exploring how Gen Z are navigating their post-16 studies. In the latest episode, second year pharmacy students Abigail Wattleworth and Uns Khatib discuss their…
Work experience is a great way to get a taste of a future career and find out what avenues might suit you. But it’s important to start your research soon – lots of other students are looking at the same time so opportunities can go fast. How can you find the right opening? Your tutors will be able to advise you on common routes and connections to employers. But that doesn’t mean you need to stick to their contacts. For…
It can be hard to decide where you fit in the world of work and where your skills apply. But there are ways to find a fulfilling career. This advice applies to everyone from school leavers to students and career changers. Identify your interests and talents Think about what you like and what you are good at – and what challenges you enjoy. Are your skills and knowledge a good fit for a particular field? Ask yourself what transferable skills you…
An optometrist is a skilled health professional, qualified to carry out sight tests, identify eye health problems, prescribe glasses and contact lenses and treat some eye conditions. 1. Make a difference Optometry is a rewarding career, where you can make a real difference to people’s lives. You’ll diagnose sight problems and identify health issues, perhaps even saving someone’s sight. 2. New technology Scientific and medical developments make this an exciting field. For instance, did you know it’s now possible to…
Filling in the UCAS form can be daunting. There’s so much information to provide and so many choices to make! Here are some Dos and Don’ts to help your application stand out DO check your deadlines Make sure you know your school’s or college’s deadlines and work back from those dates so that you have enough time to find all the information you need. Most applications have to be with UCAS by 31 January. You can submit your form after…
The optical chain has qualified as a Great Place to Work-certified business, based on feedback from staff. At least 65 per cent of employees have to report a consistently good experience under the scheme, which assesses workplace culture. In the UK 80 per cent of those surveyed responded positively. Specsavers businesses in the Republic of Ireland and Canada, as well as manufacturing and distribution sites in Hungary and Hong Kong, have also qualified. The company is now accredited across four…
Dr Meera Radia is an ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and the founder of digital platform PocketEye What motivated you to become an eye doctor? As early as I can remember, I was fascinated by the blend of surgery with medicine that ophthalmology brings. I remember watching a television documentary about charity eye camps when I was a child. Seeing how you can positively impact someone’s life through a simple cataract operation really motivated me to learn more.…
You've drawn up the job description, you've advertised, you've interviewed and now your new starter is due to arrive. Taking on a team member is a big investment. How can you make sure they thrive in their new role? People who have a positive experience of their first few weeks will understand the company better. They will make stronger connections with colleagues, helping them settle in. A good introduction to the firm creates higher job satisfaction, boosts commitment, improves performance,…
The optical world is less well known than other branches of healthcare. But it offers a range of rewarding careers, for people with all kinds of talents and interests. Some roles offer recruits the chance to earn while they learn, while qualifications include apprenticeships, diplomas or degrees. From healthcare to fashion, technology to retail, management, design or manufacturing, there’s an eyecare role for everyone. We’ve got a whole host of resources for students and teachers. Careers in eyecare lesson plan …