How a Biomedical Science degree helped Phoenix secure an NHS role
For Phoenix, practical assessments provided the opportunity to develop hands-on laboratory skills and apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios. Through a placement year and professional experience, Phoenix built the confidence and expertise needed to secure an NHS role after graduation. Read on to find out more about how they did it.
Tell us about an assessment that felt relevant to the type of work you'll do in your career?
The practical assessment on laboratory skills felt most relevant to my career, as it involved hands-on techniques, following protocols and recording data, all tasks that I will carry out in a professional laboratory setting. It helped me understand what working in a professional laboratory environment would be like and how the skills I was learning could be applied in practice.
How was it different from a traditional essay or exam?
It was different because it involved moving around tables to complete practical tasks, and we were marked based on how many tasks we performed correctly, rather than writing essays or answering exam questions.
What practical or professional skills did you develop?
I refined a range of practical and professional skills through the module, including following laboratory protocols, recording data accurately and working methodically under pressure. These are all important skills in professional laboratory environments and helped me feel more confident carrying out practical tasks.
How has this assessment helped prepare you for employment?
It helped prepare me for employment because I later completed a very similar practical assessment as part of a job interview. Having already experienced this style of assessment at university, I felt confident and knew what was expected of me. Performing well helped me secure a placement year and gave me confidence that I could apply my skills successfully in a professional setting.
The experience I gained during my placement year helped me build my confidence and professional skills. It strengthened my understanding of how laboratory work is carried out in practice and ultimately led to me being offered an NHS role after completing my degree. These interviews tested different skill sets. The placement interview assessed my practical laboratory skills, while the job interview assessed broader professional skills that I developed during my placement year.
Which assessment are you most proud of, and why?
The assessment I am most proud of was the exam for a module I really enjoyed. I found the content engaging and was pleased to achieve a first-class mark. It showed me how much I had developed throughout the course and boosted my confidence in my abilities.
What advice would you give current students about making the most of these opportunities?
Take advantage of the university's facilities, practical learning opportunities and placement opportunities. These experiences can help you build your CV, develop workplace-ready skills and gain valuable experience that prepares you for your future career.