Biomedical scientists give guidance at Salford University Careers Event

Biomedical science students from Salford and Manchester Metropolitan universities attended a careers fair at Salford University. The event took place in a lecture theatre, appropriately at the Maryseacole Building on Wednesday 22 February. Mary Seacole set up a hospital for injured servicemen during the Crimean War and was later voted the greatest black Briton in 2004 and Salford University use the building as the home for its College of Health and Social Care.

 

Careers in biomedical science

The day’s events began with an exciting talk by IBMS Deputy CEO Sarah May on the use of pathology services in the UK. She commented,

From the cradle to the grave, everyone will have used the services of biomedical scientists more than once during their lifetime.

Sarah's talk highlighted the importance of these behind-the-scenes roles, and how essential it is for future generations to pursue careers in biomedical science. She also discussed the importance of being a member of the IBMS, who support biomedical scientists throughout their careers.

 

Careers in Clinical Science

Carol Ainley, Directory of Manchester Academy for Healthcare Scientist Education, shared her experiences as a clinical scientist and talked to students about other opportunities available in clinical science careers.

 

Careers in Academia

Dr Gemma Lace-Costigan, gave an inspired speech about her career path to date, from a biomedical student who was inspired by her lectures at university to become a biomedical lecturer herself. She also explained that, although it was a tough journey and she has to work hard and long hours every day, she absolutely loves her job. As well as teaching biomedical science Gemma also leads projects associated with neurodegenerative diseases and is funded by Alzheimer Research UK.

 

Careers in Industry

Peter Lucas, UK Sales Manager from Pro-Lab Diagnostics, gave an engaging talk about working in industry. His talk focused on the highlights of working for a biomedical supply company and how he had come from a scientific background to work selling equipment. He also discussed alternative routes that many of his staff had taken including two that had started working in the warehouse and were now studying for biomedical science diplomas.

 

Careers in the military

Sergeant Colin Hudson LIBMS, gave an informative talk about being a biomedical scientist in the military. His talk focused on other options for biomedical scientists, in the armed forces. He shared his recent experiences of setting up and working in field hospitals in Afghanistan and Sierra Leone and the conditions in which he was expected to work under. This included 40c degree searing heat in the desert and jungle. Fortunately, it is not all hard work in the forces as Colin discussed he had recently finished 4 weeks of skiing in the Alps.

 

Post Graduate applications

The final speaker was Salford University’s senior lecturer Niroshini Nirmalan, who highlighted the key skills that employers want from biomedical student graduates entering the workforce. Skills like teamwork, leadership, written and verbal communication were all listed as essential to securing that first role.

 

The day ended with a Q&A panel session featuring all of the biomedical scientist speakers which gave the students an opportunity to ask lots of questions about careers in biomedical science. The event was well attended and students were encouraged to take the knowledge they had learned to help evaluate their career options prior to graduation.

The IBMS would like to thank both Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University for hosting the event and to all of the students who took part.