With a keen interest in biology and physics, Shibamba decided to step out of his comfort zone and moved from Glasgow to Aberdeen to study a master’s in Diagnostic Radiography at RGU. He shares his experience as a student and how the course has helped him grow both personally and professionally.
Finding my career path and moving to Aberdeen
First and foremost, despite what the photo of me wearing a cowboy hat in Houston Texas might suggest (it took a lot to get to this point) I am an introvert at heart.
I enjoy weightlifting, cycling, hanging out with friends, binge-listening to music, taking part in church events, and, of course, sleeping. My journey to Radiography was a bit of a detour. Originally, I applied for Veterinary Medicine, but at the last minute realised I wasn’t exactly a fan of animals (a pretty important detail, as it turns out). So, I followed my love for biology and physics, and Radiography seemed like the perfect fit.
Leaving Glasgow was never part of the plan—I never imagined I’d leave home. But something pushed me to challenge myself, so I packed up and moved to Aberdeen for study. Best decision I ever made, and a much-needed step out of my comfort zone.
Studying Radiography at RGU
Radiography has been a journey of personal growth. Each placement taught me something new—not just about the profession, but also about myself. Whether it was learning how to stay calm under pressure, taking care of my patients, or even accepting feedback on my practical skills, every challenge pushed me to grow.
One of my proudest moments was moving from Scotland to England for work. This move has ultimately encouraged my sense of independence which has led to the building of new relationships. Of course, the last couple of years were far from smooth sailing. Personal setbacks and losses made things tough, but I’m grateful for the support I had from those around me and my faith in God, which kept me grounded when I needed it most.
Now, here’s a fun fact: I made it through my entire degree without a single sip of coffee. But it wasn’t just about avoiding coffee. Radiography taught me the importance of strong clinical reasoning and image viewing. In fact, during my interview, my manager said, “You did well overall, but we were especially impressed with your image viewing skills.” This is a credit to the D-RADZ team at RGU. Beyond the technical skills, this degree taught me how to be proactive in applying my clinical decision-making skills in ways that improve patient outcomes.
If I could give one piece of advice to future Radiography students, it’s this: smile when you face challenges. After all, how can a plant grow without a little rain?
Shibamba Kazhikamaila
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