• Question: What work experience would you recommend for someone interested in research, for example microbiology or genetics?

    Asked by anon-236042 to Lucy, Greg, Emma, David, Anthony, Anna on 9 Mar 2020.
    • Photo: Greg Heikel

      Greg Heikel answered on 9 Mar 2020:

      It can be hard to find places to do work experience in science when you’re at school, particularly if you’re not close to a university or a scientific company. I did a week’s work experience with Cancer Research UK when I was in 6th form so they might still be running schemes like that. Apart from that I think universities would at least be happy to show you some of the labs if you contacted them. And there are things that aren’t directly science related that might be helpful, anything involving computers or data handling are really useful skills for scientists.

    • Photo: Lucy Kelly

      Lucy Kelly answered on 9 Mar 2020:

      Often universities can offer this kind of work experience when you get to sixth form. I did a work experience week in the microbiology department of a food and drink research company, which I found online.

    • Photo: David Mark

      David Mark answered on 9 Mar 2020:

      Some universities run teaching labs for schools. It would also definitely be worth finding out if there are any biotechnology companies nearby who could give you a tour of their lab. Once you’re in university it’s a lot easier to get research experience so don’t worry if you struggle to get any beforehand – I didn’t have any before starting my undergraduate degree and it wasn’t a problem!

      For your university applications you can show interest by saying that you’ve been reading up on the subjects you’re applying for!

    • Photo: Anthony De Souza

      Anthony De Souza answered on 10 Mar 2020:

      When I was fifteen I wanted some microbiology experience in a lab. So I phoned up the local labs to ask if I could come round and shadow someone or have a lab tour. They said no but I managed to get a job there 6 years later!

      My advice, always telephone and say any time is appreciated, be very flexible and don’t be afraid to ask. They can only say no.

    • Photo: Emma Hayhurst

      Emma Hayhurst answered on 15 Mar 2020:

      I think the others have answered this pretty well. There are loads of summer schemes with different universities, depending on where you live. If your school has a career adviser they might know. Anything though is better than nothing – and you will get more opportunities to try research as you get into uni so don’t panic if nothing comes up now. Keep trying!

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