Developing my skills with a placement year

I am on the MBiolSci Biology with Employment Experience. This degree is a general biology degree that encompasses all aspects of whole-organism biology, while also allowing students to do a work placement. My favourite part of the course so far has been the Science Communication module in level 2.

During this, we spent a week making a short science documentary on a topic of our choice. This gave us the opportunity to be creative, learn video editing skills, and challenged us to make scientific/complex information more digestible to the viewer.

Not only did my placement facilitate me meeting my future employer, but it also helped to improve my confidence, networking ability, and gave me the opportunity to explore different working environments and styles so I was able to figure out the best one for me.

Sarah Biggins

MBiolSci Biology with Placement Year

Between my second and third year I completed a year-long placement with the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at the University of Sheffield, working in Engagement and Communication.

I found this placement on the Animal and Plant Sciences careers Facebook page, and it was also recommended to me during a 1:1 appointment with the University Careers Service.

During my placement, my role has primarily focused on promoting the University to prospective students, potential employers, and accrediting bodies, as well as working with students to improve their employability and career prospects.

Throughout my placement, I networked with various employers working within the built and natural environment

Sarah Biggins

MBiolSci Biology with Placement Year

This placement has been really flexible and allowed me to develop my skills and explore my interests. For example, I enjoy being creative and working with people, so as part of my placement, I have worked on marketing campaigns, event organisation, and student recruitment.

Throughout my placement, I networked with various employers working within the built and natural environment, and through this I have secured a job for when I graduate within Strategic Planning Research.

Not only did my placement facilitate me meeting my future employer, but it also helped to improve my confidence, networking ability, and gave me the opportunity to explore different working environments and styles so I was able to figure out the best one for me.