My placement year led to being offered a place on a graduate scheme!

What made you want to study your course?

Throughout school, I always found Biology lessons fascinating and was aware of the vital role that scientists play in some of the most prevalent challenges facing day to day life. I was also aware of the vast array of transferrable skills that a STEM degree would help me to develop and felt certain that this would set me up for a successful career in whatever I chose to pursue.

What made you decide to study at the University of Sheffield?

I absolutely love the city of Sheffield. Its proximity to the Peak District is ideal, providing a calming escape from University and city life. The reputation that the School of Biosciences holds in national University rankings was also important as I felt sure that the education I would receive would be top quality and would set me up for a successful future career.

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

I have found the vast array of subject areas to be fascinating, as well as the array of transferrable skills that I have developed. I have become accustomed to working as part of a team, as well as communicating in a written format (through scientific reports and essays), and verbally (through oral presentations to audiences of varying sizes).

What skills have you developed during your course?

The skills I have developed during my course are endless. I have grown so much as a person through my life at University, developing competencies in teamwork, leadership, oral and written communication. Furthermore, the course places emphasis on evidence-based approaches to scientific theories, meaning that my analytical skills have vastly improved.

What did you do for your placement year?

I decided to use my Year in Industry to branch out into the finance sector, as the traditional science research-based routes did not appeal to me and I was aware that the transferrable skills developed during my degree would prove to be extremely valuable in this sector. I completed my Year in Industry at BHP LLP, the largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants in the North of England, working within their audit team. My day to day role involved working as part of a team to conduct the annual statutory audits for a diverse clientele operating in industries such as manufacturing and recruitment. I found the experience to be extremely valuable in opening my eyes to a different sector that a degree in Biosciences can prepare you for. I learnt so much from my year and really enjoyed the work!

What were the best things about your placement?

My placement year allowed me to meet and network with many different colleagues and build strong connections that will be valuable in my future career. One of the largest successes of my placement year was being offered a place on BHP's Graduate Scheme to commence following my graduation. This scheme supports the whole study route through to becoming an ICAEW qualified Chartered Accountant. Having this offer of a job following graduation feels like a huge success and really shows how valuable completing a Year in Industry can be.

What would you say to a student thinking about studying your course at Sheffield?

I would definitely recommend studying Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield. The teaching we receive is top class and the transferrable skills we develop will be highly attractive to future employers.