How the SoR’s student leadership placement is helping radiographers gain a wider understanding of the profession

Annabel Fagbo
BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography, Canterbury Christchurch University

My leadership placement at the SoR has given me new insights into the opportunities that a career in radiography can provide. The placement also provided us with unique and valuable networking opportunities, and we were able to speak to a range of leaders at different stages of their careers. Each speaker offered their perspectives on leadership and our task topic, as well as their professional development and progression.

All the speakers, including our mentors, gave up their time to meet with us and were genuinely invested in helping us succeed. As a result, every learner made at least one professional connection beneficial for their career development and potential future specialisation. We also received guidance with our supporting statements from those with experience on interview panels and radiographers who had recently achieved success. This was not a standard part of the leadership placement – it’s one of the many ways the speakers went above and beyond to support us.

I highly recommend this placement to other students. It provides the opportunity to connect with policymakers, senior leaders, educators and clinical experts who are shaping the future of the profession. It has broadened my understanding of the diverse career pathways available within radiography and reinforced the importance of leadership at every level of practice. The experience has increased my confidence in pursuing future leadership opportunities and has inspired me to become even more actively involved in developing my profession.

Becky Lloyd
BSc Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging, Cardiff University

Having always been someone who wants to challenge themselves and push themselves out of their comfort zone, when the opportunity came up to apply for the Society of Radiographers’ leadership programme I didn’t give it a second thought. After about 30 attempts at recording a two-minute elevator pitch on my phone, I submitted my application, and a few months later found out I was successful. I was extremely proud of myself for taking this leap and being one of six people to be selected for the programme.

One of the highlights was having the opportunity to meet inspiring leaders from across the profession. They discussed various topics, including their own career journey and what has made them a successful leader. I found it inspiring to meet professionals eager to push the boundaries and open doors for radiographers, something that is also close to my heart and one of my reasons for applying for the leadership programme, as one of my ambitions is to secure a leadership position to increase the scope of practice for radiographers in Wales. 

Gill and Nichola were incredibly supportive throughout the programme. I was in the process of moving house, so I was finding it challenging managing that and the programme but, with Nichola and Gill’s encouragement, I realised the importance of setting boundaries to ensure I looked after myself. Gill and Nichola taught me that as leaders one of the most important things to do is to look after ourselves, and that we cannot be our best selves as leaders if we are burnt out.

The programme can be challenging – it enables you to reflect on your own leadership skills, something that we often find difficult to do, but self reflection is vital for our growth and development. I’ve learnt so much about myself in this process. If this opportunity comes up and you’re unsure whether to take it, grab it with both hands – you won’t regret it. 

Riya Roby
BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology, City St George’s, University of London, and Therapeutic Radiographer at the Royal Marsden Hospital

The student leadership placement with the Society and College of Radiographers has been a fantastic and memorable experience that I shall keep in mind as I start my career as a Therapeutic Radiographer. Previously, I had considered my future in terms of becoming a competent radiographer, but this experience has encouraged me to think more broadly about the type of professional I would like to be and how I could contribute to the profession.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the placement was getting to know professionals who had followed unusual and unforeseen routes to reach the positions they hold now. It made me realise that careers don’t always progress in a straightforward manner and that success can’t be defined in just one way, nor is it a linear journey. It was reassuring and uplifting to hear how their interests, experiences and opportunities had influenced the courses of their careers in ways they never expected. Since I am at the beginning of my professional career, this gave me a sense of excitement regarding the future and made me more open to the possibilities my career could offer.

I also had the chance to work with five other radiography students to explore how healthcare students are engaging in online professional environments. We worked together to produce and deliver a presentation titled ‘Exploring Changing Behaviours and Attitudes Towards Engagement in Professional Settings Among Healthcare Students’. This challenged us to think about how the digital world is influencing the way future healthcare professionals engage with their professions and one another, while strengthening my confidence in teamwork, sharing ideas and presenti work.

Looking back, I am grateful for the opportunity to step outside my usual student experience and gain a wider understanding of radiography. The placement has shown me that leadership is not necessarily about having a title or being the loudest voice in the room. It is about being curious, having the confidence to ask questions, being willing to listen and having the courage to contribute. I hope to take these lessons with me as I begin the next chapter of my journey and I would definitely encourage students to participate in the leadership placement in future.

Jianne Mejia
BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging, University of Hertfordshire 

My experience with the SoR leadership placement has been incredibly rewarding, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity I was given. Throughout the programme, I worked remotely alongside students from different universities, with coaching and support from Gill and Nichola, who led the placement.

I wanted to take part in the programme because I have always aspired to have a positive impact on others by building trust and supporting people wherever I can. I was particularly interested in working within a diverse team, as I wanted to develop my teamwork skills by collaborating with people who had different personalities, perspectives and leadership styles. The placement aligned perfectly with my personal goals of strengthening my communication skills, stepping outside my comfort zone and becoming more confident in myself.

Through the weekly coaching sessions, I had the opportunity to reflect on my own leadership style and develop a more positive and confident mindset. As a result, I have become much more willing to put myself forward in situations where I would previously have held back. During the placement, I also had the privilege of meeting external guest speakers who shared their experiences and insights into the many career pathways within radiography. These sessions enabled me to broaden my understanding of the profession and ask questions that have helped shape my future aspirations.

One of the highlights of the programme was presenting our work to members of the SoR and university staff. This was something I had never done before, and it was a significant personal achievement that I am proud of.

I highly recommend the placement to anyone looking for a new challenge and wanting to strengthen their teamwork and communication skills and build their confidence. It is a valuable experience that encourages personal and professional growth while providing the opportunity to learn from others and develop as a future healthcare professional.

Kiana Khalehi
MSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography, Buckinghamshire New University

Participating in the student leadership placement has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my radiography degree. While my primary focus has always been on becoming a competent Diagnostic Radiographer, this placement encouraged me to think beyond clinical practice and consider how I can contribute to the profession through leadership, collaboration and professional engagement.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the placement was meeting radiographers and professionals with diverse career journeys. Listening to their experiences demonstrated that there is no single route to success and that careers are often shaped by embracing opportunities, remaining curious and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. Hearing how their interests and experiences had influenced their careers encouraged me to think more openly about my own future and the opportunities that may lie ahead.

A particular highlight was collaborating with five fellow radiography students on a project exploring healthcare students’ engagement within digital professional environments. Together, we designed a pulse survey, analysed the findings and presented our work to SoR staff and education providers through a presentation. This experience strengthened my confidence in teamwork, research and presenting to a professional audience, while highlighting the importance of collaboration and the value of different perspectives when addressing contemporary issues within healthcare education.

The placement also changed my understanding of leadership. I learned that it is not defined by a job title but by a willingness to contribute, support others and continually seek opportunities for growth. It has shown me the importance of building professional relationships, being open to new experiences and having the confidence to share ideas.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. It has broadened my perspective, strengthened my confidence and inspired me to become more actively involved in the future of the profession. Most importantly, it has taught me that the greatest opportunities for personal and professional growth often come from saying yes to new challenges.

Manal Bhatti
BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology, City St George’s University, University of London, Therapeutic Radiographer at Churchill Hospital in Oxford

The leadership placement has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey as a student Therapeutic Radiographer. The placement gave me the opportunity to broaden my understanding of the profession beyond clinical practice, while developing valuable skills that I will carry with me as I begin my career.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the placement was meeting a range of professionals from different areas of radiography and hearing about their career journeys. Listening to their experiences showed me that career progression is not always linear and that there are many opportunities within the profession, and that I should take whatever opportunity comes my way. Their passion, knowledge and willingness to share their experiences encouraged me to think more openly about my own future and the many ways I can contribute to radiography throughout my career.

During the placement, I had the opportunity to work together with previous radiography students on a research project exploring healthcare students’ engagement in professional online environments. Together, we reviewed existing evidence, discussed our findings and developed a presentation that highlighted current behaviours and attitudes towards professional engagement on digital platforms. Presenting our work to an audience was a valuable experience that strengthened my confidence in public speaking, teamwork and communicating research in a clear and professional manner. It also gave me a greater appreciation of the importance of research, collaboration and evidence-based practice in shaping the future of healthcare.

Overall, the placement has given me a greater understanding of leadership and professional development. It taught me that leadership is demonstrated through collaboration, curiosity, effective communication and a willingness to contribute to positive change. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the programme and encourage other radiography students to apply. It is a unique experience that builds confidence, broadens perspectives and provides invaluable insight into the future of the profession.