Highlighting life sciences careers to students

As a self-professed engineer and geologist, Sean Noonan isn’t your typical scientist. But when the chance came to promote biomedical science at a grammar school’s careers fair, he jumped at the chance.

Recently Sean teamed up with degree apprentice Aimee McDonnell to promote science careers to students at a Dorset school’s careers fair. Also present were 60 exhibitors from local and national companies, trade bodies, societies and organisations.

Sean commented,

“It's an incredibly rewarding thing to do as hopefully you're inspiring the students and helping them find their career direction.

This year I was also really pleased to have a new STEM Ambassador colleague helping. She is just 19 and a first year degree apprentice and has just graduated from another local school last year. I’m even more pleased to have one of the school's 6th formers come to ask me how she could become a STEM Ambassador for next year!”

Sean reflected on his earlier experiences as a STEM Ambassador and explained how it’s not the masses of people you reach; it’s the individuals that count.

Sean said,

“The careers fairs I enjoy most are the ones where there's a high level of engagement and interest from the students, and this one's particularly good for that. I've met some outstanding students - one who comes to mind was a girl two years ago who marched up to me and said 'I'm going to build satellites!'

--but the ones I most enjoy talking to are the ones who perhaps don't have a clear idea of direction, as they're the ones you tend to get more involved with and also feel you've perhaps helped most.

Even small results are massive; for example, a girl who was so shy she wouldn't approach the stand and hid behind her parents, but who became more engaged and started smiling and asking questions as we talked.”

Volunteering at these events can be a daunting prospect. Sean added,

“Something that isn't talked about so much are the reasons to volunteer, to do these sort of events. You're not only making a difference to people, you're also getting a great deal in return; people skills, confidence, learning that you can put back into your own work.”

Do you have the passion for biomedical science and want to help promote the field? Do you want to be like Sean and Aimee and volunteer at some local events? Let us help you achieve your goal.

You can learn more about becoming a STEM Ambassador on the STEM Ambassador website, or access our public engagement page for more information about volunteering.

 If you are already signed up to volunteer at an event, contact us at pe@ibms.org and we will help promote it.