Case Study

When it came to choosing a university, I’d always wanted to study near the beach, but it was only after attending an Open Day at Sunderland that my mind was made up. I was so impressed with the facilities, the friendly atmosphere and all the opportunities on offer that there was no other choice. The taster session for the course I wanted to do was an added bonus and made me realise how relevant it would be to my chosen career. 

The recruitment team at the Open Day were amazing and introduced me to the many student experiences that were on offer. I signed up for everything I could, from the various sporting societies to becoming a Student Ambassador and Student Associate Scheme. I also became one of the University’s Lives on Line bloggers, which was a great way to share my thoughts on student life. However, one of my proudest achievements was being supported to create the Afro-Caribbean Society at the University.

In my third year, I completed a placement in the Microbiology department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead. My placement year was truly transformative. It wasn’t just a stepping stone; it was the crucial experience that shaped my academic and professional journey. It helped me refine my choice of discipline within the field of biomedical science and equipped me with the motivation and drive to excel in my career. The technical and laboratory skills I gained during this time were invaluable, laying a strong foundation for my future.

One of the most significant impacts of my placement year was on my academic performance. Experiencing real-world applications of my studies brought my university coursework to life, offering a deeper understanding and bringing context to what I was learning at the University. This fresh perspective fuelled my enthusiasm and significantly improved my grades in my final year. Ultimately, I graduated with a first-class honours degree, an achievement that I largely attribute to the knowledge, confidence, and skills gained during my placement.

Additionally, the placement year taught me how to thrive in a professional environment. I developed essential skills such as effective communication, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. These experiences truly set me apart when it came to applying for jobs. By the end of my final year, I had already secured a graduate position as a Biomedical Scientist—weeks before I graduated!

There are two moments that stand out to me and for which I'm still grateful for today. The first was being entrusted to independently cover a diagnostic bench during staff shortages. While I couldn’t release results due to professional restrictions as an unregistered scientist, the trust my senior colleagues placed in me to handle tasks without direct supervision was empowering. Their validation when my work was checked and confirmed boosted my confidence. That moment made me feel ready to become a Biomedical scientist.

The second highlight was being given the opportunity to deliver training sessions to infection control nurses during one of their professional events. As a student, this was a pivotal moment—it not only enhanced my communication skills but also gave me valuable experience in engaging with multidisciplinary teams. This broadened my perspective on the collaborative nature of healthcare.

I remain deeply grateful for the comprehensive training I received and the exceptional expertise and guidance of the Microbiology team at Gateshead NHS Trust. 

My advice to anyone doing a placement year is to ask questions, never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance from those around you. Beyond technical skills, take every opportunity to interact, network, and participate in activities that stretch your abilities. Take ownership of your learning. Your placement is what you make of it. Be proactive, and you’ll be amazed by how much you grow—both personally and professionally. By embracing every opportunity during your placement, you’ll not only gain invaluable experience but also set yourself apart in your future career. A placement year is a priceless opportunity to gain hands-on experience and discover your potential.

I now love my job, and I know none of this would have been possible without those incredible experiences at Sunderland and that crucial support from my lecturers. 

You get so much out the opportunities on offer at Sunderland, but it’s also about the effort you put in. My whole student experience was so much fun and I wouldn’t trade those years for the world.

Published 28 February 2025