IBMS Congress 2025

Dr Claire Wright PhD, Senior Lecturer, York St John University

Having an academic degree with work placement can be a key differentiator for securing employment following graduation. In a competitive graduate employment market, an employer can see the completion of a placement as an important benchmark indicating commitment, discipline, and core knowledge/skills in their sector. For the student, advantages include the implementation and development of skills, improved academic performance in the final year of study, a wider network for career opportunities, and potentially higher starting salaries upon completion of the degree. 

However, the decision to apply for a Biomedical Science placement is complex and one to be carefully considered. Frequent questions include:

• When and how do I apply for a placement?
• What will I do during the placement?
• Who will I work with?
• Is it for me?
• How does my role help patients? and many more

To help you consider how to apply and prepare for a placement, this session aims to address many of these questions. 

Marie-Anne Schroeder, Placement Student, York St John University

Oliver Suter, Final Year Student, York St John University

Ellie Caul, Final Year Student, York St. John University

What is starting and completing a placement like?

The journey to completing a placement has many similarities but remains unique for every individual. It probably begins with a placement interview, a nervous first week at the start of the placement, followed by a reflective journey of professional development, skill building, and portfolio completion. Once the placement ends there is the reintegration back to university for the challenging final year and decisions for the future.  Despite the challenges at multiple stages, every placement student pushes through them to become an integral part of their placement department and wonders how time has passed so quickly.

The best people to tell you about the placement journey are those that have been through or are currently going through the process – fellow students that have had the same concerns and questions.  Three students at different stages are joining us to tell you about their experiences.  

Marie-Anne is starting her placement in September 2025 (just one week ago by the time of Congress) and her story is about the application and preparation stage. 

Oliver has just finished a placement in cellular and histopathology, his story describes a year-in-the-life of a placement student. What did he do? Who did he work with? What has he learned? 

Ellie completed her placement in 2023-24 and has just finished the last year of her degree. Her story is about the reintegration back into university and her ambitions for the future. 

Delivered by newly qualified BMS serving in the armed forces, the aim of this presentation is to give the audience a further understanding of the education and training required to become a military Biomedical Scientist.

We will explore the key roles undertaken by military BMS and explain the unique professional development opportunities available via this career path. Attendees are encouraged to come as it gives the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into this career.