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The respondent to this survey is Jane who is from a White British background.
| What qualifications did you hold prior to starting university? | 3 A levels & 9 GCSEs |
| What was the name of your course? | Biomedical Science - BSc/Biomed |
| While at university have you worked part-time? | Yes |
| While at university have you performed any voluntary work? | No |
| While at university have you undertake any work experience? | No |
| Please give details of your experience? | Part-time work in cinemas and bars |
| How useful did you find this work experience when it came to find a job after graduating? | Good experience in work place, helpful when producing CV and good source of references. |
| What is your status? | In full or part time employment |
| What is your job title? | Trainee Biomedical Scientist |
| What responsibilities do you hold? | Undergoing training to become biomedical scientist within haematology department. Also undertaking further studies in order to allow state registration. Completing portfolio of competence. Undertaking diagnostic investigations under supervision |
| What do you enjoy the most about this job? | Interesting patient cases |
| What do you enjoy the least? | Lots of routine, repetitive work |
| What was involved in the recruitment process for this job? | CV & application form, interview |
| Do you feel you have a career plan? | Yes |
| If so, how does your current situation fit into this plan? | Leads to state registration and then on to CPD (continuing professional development) schemes |
| When did you start thinking about what you wanted to do after graduation? Thinking back did you leave enough time for this? | Yes, I was planning career moves throughout final year |
| Did you experience any difficulties when it came to finding work after graduation? If yes, please describe some of the problems you faced? | Yes, my degree in biomedical science was not accredited by the IBMS and employers were reluctant to select me over other candidates with this qualification. My university did not inform me of this requirement (accreditation in order to work within the NHS) as a prospective student (within the departmental prospectus), or during undergraduate careers advice sessions/fairs. My current employer has had to pay for me to undertake further undergraduate studies at APU in Cambridge in order to get this qualification, which a lot of other employers were unwilling to do! Biomedical science graduates should surely be able to work as biomedical scientists. The degree title should be protected as it is misleading to people choosing their degree. |
| What do you wish you had known before you started applying for jobs? | The fact that IBMS accreditation is ESSENTIAL in order to work as a biomedical scientist within the NHS. We were told by careers service that this type of job was suitable for graduate, oblivious to the qualifications required. Lack of knowledge! |
| What advice would you give to someone applying for jobs now? | Make sure you know the requirements for the job, with respect to work experience, and qualifications. Speak to people within the field you want to get into |
| Would you have done anything differently while at university to prepare for your career? Please give details. | Get into the labs part-time during uni or even arrange a sandwich year in the job |
| How do you feel your degree has prepared you for today's labour market? | Good for research, or general scientific work not right for NHS though! |
| What impact did your course have on your career aspirations? | Affirmed job choice |
| Did you make use of the careers service at university? | Yes |
| If yes, please describe how you used the careers service. | Read leaflets and books, went to talks and careers fairs. Also went to employer presentations |
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