Kevin Muir Success Story - Division of Education, Research and Technology

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SUCCESS STORY

Kevin Muir

Biomedical Engineer

Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Biomedical Engineering

What is your name?

My name is Kevin Trevis Muir.

What is your career?

I’ve chosen the career path of becoming a Biomedical Engineer.

What was your area of study?

My area of study is indirectly related to the various facets of the life span of medical equipment within a clinical environment, including specification development, procurement, installation and commissioning, maintenance, repair and even decommissioning of medical devices.

What qualifications are needed for your career path?

For this career, you need foundational knowledge in science subjects. However, it is particularly important that you have Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) passes in Physics and Mathematics. Advanced Levels passes in both Math and Physics are usually also needed to be accepted for Biomedical Engineering programs. However, a good command of Biology and Chemistry would be an asset.

What motivated your choice of study and career path?

I always loved Science and was also fascinated with the idea of being an Engineer. So, when I heard about Biomedical Engineering, it seemed to be the right combination of Science and Engineering that I was looking for.

6. How was the follow-up support at DATAS?

The staff were very helpful and supportive. There wasn’t much hassle once the application process was completed. When approval was granted and the cheques were available, we were contacted as to what date and time to collect them. This part of the process was seamless and we were grateful.

7. How was the application process at DATAS?

Honestly speaking, the process was a bit tedious. It took quite some time to gather all the information they requested.

Also, I had to wait for a significant period before I got a response. However, at the end of the day, I’m grateful that I was assisted.

8. How was the follow-up support at DATAS?

9. How did you plan for additional financial support?

I decided to save as much money as possible before I went back to study.

10. Describe your journey, and the efforts made to be where you are now.

After my first Degree in Biochemistry I taught at Bishop’s High School for three (3) years, to save the funds needed to do my Biomedical Engineering Degree. While studying however, I realized that my funds were not going to be sufficient and so I applied to DATAS for financial assistance.

It’s been a long road, winding with unexpected twists and turns. However, God’s willing, I will get there. One day I will be given the opportunity to work as the engineer I trained to be. The Manager of the Department where I work, has decided that he doesn’t need any more Engineers. So, despite my qualifications, I’m unable to serve as the Engineer I trained to be. However, as a Biomedical Technician, I am able to work and gain experience within my field of choice and soon, I believe that God will make a way for me to achieve my goals, whether it’s in Trinidad and Tobago or externally.

11. What do you like best about your job?

I love learning things that most people will never know and being able to use that to help people in the clinical environments where I work.

12. How did you get your job?

I applied for one of the positions available within the Department. It wasn’t the position I was hoping for but it was an entering wedge.

13. If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself, If not, what would you change?

If I could do it all over again, I probably would not have chosen the same path for myself. Initially, I had a strong inclination to remain at home and make an impact here in my own country. However, the way things are I probably should’ve sought employment outside first, got my experience and training there and then applied to return home.

14. What are some tips to give to persons wanting to follow your career path?

I would suggest to anyone who wishes to be a Biomedical Engineer that they go where the need is and establish themselves there. Do not be afraid to venture into the unknown. If you must study or work in another country, do it and opportunities will make themselves available to you.

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