Rebecca Selman
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Royal College of Physicians
Can you give us an overview of what you have done since you completed your research degree?
After completing my PhD I did some hourly-paid English Literature teaching at Exeter University for three years, and then moved to London, did a PGCE and taught English in secondary schools for 12 years (with a focus on A Level teaching). I then switched direction and moved into medical education and now work with doctors, teaching non-clinical skills (teaching, leadership, supervision etc).
How did you become interested in the area you work in?
By chance. I wanted to leave secondary school teaching and saw an advert in the Guardian to work at the Royal College of Physicians, teaching doctors how to teach. It’s a great job!
How did you find opportunities in the area you work in and how did the recruitment process work?
It’s been an accidental and fortuitous discovery. The recruitment was simply by interview.
What does your current role involve?
I am one of the Heads of Education at the Royal College of Physicians. I design and deliver workshops and postgraduate medical education to qualified hospital doctors. May main areas of work are on a MSc in Medical Education (delivered jointly with UCL) and teaching doctors overseas.
What skills are involved in your work and how did your research degree help develop them?
Teaching, writing, research – all helped by my PhD at Exeter.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
All of it – I love it!
What are the challenges in your role?
I am juggling lots of things at the same time.
What has surprised you about your role?
I didn’t know jobs like mine existed until I saw the advert and applied for it.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Teaching and writing.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Be open to opportunities. Take a risk. Be prepared to take a pay cut if it’s something you want to do (I took a big one).
What are your plans for the future?
To carry on enjoying what I’m doing.
