Inah Rosales

What are you doing now? 

I’m currently working as a Biomedical Scientist specialising in Immunology at HCA Laboratories, where I also completed my placement year. I’m incredibly grateful to the University of Westminster - they played a key role in helping me secure both the placement and this permanent role by bridging the gap between me and my current employer.

In my role, I support doctors in diagnosing immunological disorders by performing tests and investigations on patient samples. My daily tasks include running assays, reporting results to clinicians, and carrying out quality assurance procedures in the lab. Thanks to my placement and the Clinical Immunology and Haematology module, I felt well-prepared to step into the role with confidence.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course? 

Although my studies were disrupted by the chaos of COVID-19, the University responded quickly by moving teaching online, allowing us to continue learning in a safe environment.

A standout moment for me was my placement year at HCA Laboratories. It gave me invaluable hands-on experience in a clinical lab setting and allowed me to complete my Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Registration Portfolio - a key step towards Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration.

Another highlight was my final-year project, which I completed under the supervision of Dr Kalpana Surendranath in the Genetic Engineering Laboratory. It sparked my interest in genome engineering and deepened my passion for healthcare science. The experience was demanding - we repeated experiments, spent long hours in the wet lab, and overcame numerous challenges. But it taught me so much, from problem-solving to teamwork and resilience, and it helped shape the scientist I am today.

How have you found academic support during your studies? 

I received exceptional support from Dr Kalpana, who supervised both my second-year literature review and my final-year project. Her guidance was both encouraging and challenging, and with her support, I achieved First-Class marks in both projects.

I was also part of the first cohort of the Genome Editors of the Future programme, which further fuelled my interest in genetic research. Dr Kalpana has been a guiding light throughout my academic journey and played a major role in my success.

On the careers side, I received fantastic support from Hannah in the Employability Service. She helped me navigate the placement application process, and I genuinely don’t think I could have done it without her.

Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course? 

Absolutely - the on-site laboratories at Westminster are excellent. I made full use of them, particularly the Genetic Engineering Lab, where we were able to genetically modify cell lines. It’s not something I expected to get hands-on experience with at an undergraduate level, and it was an incredible opportunity.

I also had the chance to connect with PhD candidates working on exciting research under the guidance of inspiring academics. Being in that research environment was hugely motivating and gave me a taste of real-world scientific discovery.

Tell us about your experience with the University’s Careers and Employability Service 

The Careers and Employability Service played a significant role in my journey. With their support, I secured a Trainee Biomedical Scientist placement at HCA Laboratories. Working Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, I gained a clear understanding of what the role involves.

Most of my training took place in the Immunology department, where I helped run various analysers used to diagnose immunological disorders. By the end of the year, I had completed and passed my IBMS portfolio verification, and I’m now a permanent member of the team at HCA.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying at Westminster? 

Westminster is a brilliant university with excellent facilities and support services to help you take the next step towards your dream career. Being based in London also opens up a wide range of opportunities for placements, networking, and growth.

What’s the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student? 
Access to outstanding opportunities and resources. For example, completing my final-year research project in the Genetic Engineering Laboratory allowed me to work with genetically modified cells - something most undergraduates wouldn’t usually experience. It’s experiences like these that make Westminster truly special.

What was the most surprising or unexpected part of your Westminster experience? 

I was genuinely surprised by how seriously Westminster takes employability. There were so many events - both online and in person - to help us explore different career paths.

Even our final-year assessments included job applications and mock interviews, which really helped prepare us for life after graduation. And the support hasn’t stopped since finishing my degree - I still receive invitations to careers talks and events as an alumna, which I really value.