Work Experience Student Review

I enjoyed my insight very much, it gave me a very realistic outlook on what it would be like to work in the field of biosciences, and the roles of different professionals within a hospital. It highlighted the importance of infection control on a daily basis, and the different policies involved.

I enjoyed my time very much; the consultants were extremely well organised and had clearly made time for student placements. All procedures were explained clearly, and anything I did not understand, I was given the chance to ask questions about later.

I was given a lot of guidance in terms of the procedures being done, but I was always given a list of things I would need to bring in on my first day for registration, alongside a list of things I may need on a day to day basis. The consultants were very supportive, and made everything as clear as possible to prevent any confusion.

The placement helped me develop my professional skills in a healthcare environment, and encouraged me to practise my social and interpersonal skills when working with others, and when working with patients. I feel this is just as valuable as the technical skills I developed, such as preparing slides for viewing, as they are something I can carry forward regardless of my future career/

The insight was very well structured; I was given a list of the different things I would shadow thought my time on the insight, and the different departments I would be working with. This gave me the chance to read up on the work each department does before my placement, which helped me ask more educated questions and get some background knowledge.

It was very friendly, and all the staff seemed involved in their roles and very welcoming to students. The consultants always made time for ward rounds and team meetings, and presented their proposals as a team, rather than as strict leaders.

The company gave me a good insight into the workings of their jobs, and spent a lot of time explaining different things to me, and getting permission for me to shadow certain procedures. My placement was clearly very well planned, and designed to give me the maximise exposure to a clinical environment.

It was very helped in helping me understand how a team within a hospital department works, and the different roles different people take - everything from the receptionist working the front desk, to the consultant leading patient treatment plans. I also learned about the different meetings that go into deciding a patients treatment plan and the different factors that need to be taken into account.

It was very useful in helping me understand the company culture and I was directly involved in working with the department, and shadowed a variety of different things, from clinical treatment to making patient appointments.

It was very valuable as it helped me decide that I want to work in healthcare in the future, and I enjoy working with people on a daily basis, as well as highlighting the importance of developing my interpersonal skills.

I was not paid of reimbursed but I was told this would be the case before the insight was arranged. It was made very clear I would pay for my own expenses.

I was given the chance to talk to professionals in the variety of different departments, and was offered further work experience, which I plan to undertake in the next few months. I was also given the emails of various consultants should I want to contact them further.

Although there was no specific time dedicated to networking or socialising, I was given many chances to do so during breaks and outside of shadowing time blocks. I would've liked more time to talk to other department leaders and different scientists in the lab, but I appreciated the opportunities I was given.

I don't quite know what healthcare professionals can get involved in outside of work. I understand the have their own personal lives, but I'm not sure if departments have any celebrations or organised events. I definitely plan to find out more!

Absolutely. The placement really gives a good, and realistic, insight into what it would be like to work in a hospital with a group of different healthcare professionals from a variety of background. There are a lot of interesting procedures to see, and it will really help solidify if a career in the NHS is for you.