Placement Experience: Trainee Biomedical Scientist - University Hospitals Dorset - Emma Beard

What motivated you to pursue an optional placement year?

Being able to complete an NHS placement meant I was able to have the opportunity to complete my IBMS portfolio. This means as a graduate I am able to immediately register with the HCPC and apply for band 5 biomedical scientist roles. This took the pressure away from having to compete for a trainee role post-graduation.

How many placement applications did you make? 

The application process was scary but there was support from everyone involved. Before applications had to be submitted the BMS team arranged for the potential employers to come to the university for us to ask questions and give us their top tips on how to succeed. They also arranged for us to tour a nearby hospital laboratory so we could have an experience to reflect upon during interviews. The university arranged a ‘speed dating’ style of interviews. We had 6 ‘rooms’ each with two different interview questions. The employers met the same day and discussed our interview answers and decided on placements. We heard the results the same day, so that definitely took the stress away.

What tips would you give to students about balancing placement applications with university studies?

Definitely don’t stress regarding your application and interview. The application process is a chance for you to show off yourself, your skills and your experiences. Draw on academic achievements from your 1^st and 2^nd years at university. For example, group projects are a great show of your communication and team working skills! Use existing job adverts to see what the essential and desirable criteria are and be sure to include those in your personal statement.

What were your main concerns about taking a placement year?

My biggest worry was the unknown! By familiarising myself early on with histological techniques, it was not such a shock walking into the laboratory for the first time. I had an amazing training officer and team in the laboratory that took the time to integrate me into the team and would welcome any questions- even silly ones!

How did you adjust to a new workplace environment, and what resources or support helped you during this transition? 

Adjusting to a new environment was a tough challenge, however it was made much easier by having an incredible team around me. My trainer officer and colleagues made sure I knew exactly where to find help and advice. I had regular meetings with my training officer to ensure everything was okay. Your biggest support whilst on placement is the people around you. Use the people around you and don’t feel embarrassed to ask questions, you are there to learn. All my colleagues took the time to teach, train and guide me in the laboratory but also gave me people to look up too. I can’t thank my colleagues enough for their help and support.

Any challenges have you faced during your placement, and how have you overcome them?

My biggest challenge was trying to complete my portfolio alongside working full time. After a 40 minute commute home, the last thing I wanted to do was work on my laboratory portfolio. In order to overcome these challenges, I had to remind myself what I was working towards. Ensuring I had set times for portfolio work but also time to myself was crucial. I definitely improved my time management skills whilst being on placement!

What has been the most rewarding part of your placement?

I have two most rewarding moments. The first is when I completed and verified my portfolio. This was what I had been working towards and all my hard work had paid off. But my second is that I won trainee of the year. For me, that was much more rewarding than my portfolio as I was nominated for this award by my colleagues in the laboratory. Knowing I had impressed the people around me enough to not only be nominated but win trainee of the year felt like all my incredibly hard work was worth it.

Has your placement experience influenced your perspective on your chosen career path or field of study?

For me, my placement experience reassured me that this career was what I wanted. Whilst in the laboratory I was helping to make a difference to patients and their lives. Near the end of my placement, I was able to train others on laboratory techniques. This for me was something I really enjoyed and would like to pursue once I graduate.

Would you recommend the placement year to other students?

My advice is do it! The placement year is tough and is hard work, but the benefits hugely outweigh the negatives. I have come back to university with a newfound passion for my subject by physically using it every day. I am lucky enough to also be on the bank, so I return to the laboratory to help out during busy times and keep up my laboratory skills. You will have a year’s worth of incredible experiences to add to your CV and reflect upon in future job interviews. Make sure you keep learning from the people around as they will be your biggest support system. I can’t thank my placement enough for the incredible experience I had.