Why I chose to study with industrial experience

Sarah Zulkernain, is a second-year undergraduate student studying BSc Biomedical Sciences with Industrial Experience (IE). In this blog post Sarah reflects on her decision to study with industrial experience.

I hadn’t always planned to enroll in a placement year program. When I initially applied for my course through UCAS, I only applied for BSc Biomedical Sciences. But on results day I had just missed the conditions of my conditional offer.

Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to undertake a foundation year based on my academic performance, which I did not even know was an option at the time! I felt like the foundation year in Biosciences was the best option for me and I would say it has definitely played a key role in helping me adjust to university life.

Industrial Experience

During my foundation year, there were organised information events to help us choose what degree program we would like to specialise in within Biosciences. I was initially quite keen to stay on my initial chosen degree, however when I found out about the option to study ‘with Industrial Experience’ I wanted to learn more.

I did some research on The University of Manchester’s website about the program, and it sounded like a fascinating opportunity. I was interested in the idea of doing an MSc in Biomedical Egyptology after I finished my degree, and I knew that gaining laboratory experience for 12 months would be a great way to demonstrate my passion and competence for the subject. I also hoped that doing a placement year would help me stand out from the crowd when it eventually came to finding work in the sphere of research.

If I’d learned about this option while doing my original UCAS application I don’t think I’d have felt ready to undertake industrial experience, but the foundation year had given me confidence and I felt more than capable. I am very grateful to have had the option to undertake a foundation year, especially coming from a widening participation background, as it helped me realise my potential.

Preparing for placement

During my first year, I was kept informed about how to remain on course for the placement year through regular emails from the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) Placement Office. This helped to stay on track of meeting the academic requirements. I feel that being committed to doing a placement year, especially in the first year, is really helpful in keeping you focused on your academic goals.

It also drove me to actively seek out opportunities and make the most of my time here at the University. I knew that I would need to develop my CV and write a cover letter to apply for placements, and I was also a little bit anxious about the prospect of applying for graduate jobs without much experience. Having an ‘end goal’ in mind of wanting to do a placement year to gain first-hand experience of working in research, I was eager to undertake volunteering opportunities and part-time work.

Securing a placement

As I’ve progressed to second year, I’ve felt very supported by the SBS Placement Office who reguarly send out opportunities for those studying with industrial experience to apply for.

I’ve applied for numerous placements both in the UK and abroad throughout the semester, and have been rejected countless times. In retrospect, this was good experience as I was able to develop my CV and cover letter writing skills, improve my interview performance and develop resilience. Nevertheless, I chose to not give up and continue applying, seeing rejection as merely a redirection to the ‘perfect’ placement for me.

Receiving an offer

I am happy to announce that I have received an offer for a placement year abroad at the University of Nevada, Reno for this upcoming academic year 2024/2025 as an undergraduate scientific researcher. I chose this placement provider because there was much flexibility in the project disciplines I could work on; whether that be pharmacology, physiology, cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, microbiology, or immunology (which I have a good grasp of from my first-year modules).

I also was really keen on the experience of studying abroad. Nevada seems like an amazing place to live in and explore and I am fascinated by the natural scenery in America. Studying abroad has always seemed like an opportunity that has never really been accessible to me. I am very excited about the opportunity to immerse myself at the University of Nevada, Reno and I hope to be able to gain the competence to develop and work on a research focus independently and improve my laboratory skills.

To anyone who is considering doing an Industrial Experience program, I would definitely recommend it. Whilst it can seem challenging and daunting at times, there is lots of support available from the SBS placement office and the Careers Service which provides specialised support with interview practice, CV reviews and opportunities to apply for.

Learn more about studying Biosciences with industrial and professional experience:

• Industrial and professional experience