Tag Archives: Biosciences

Alice, Science

Biosciences, Science, , ,

Biochemistry student Alice was matched with a Biochemist at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This mentor has completed a Biochemistry degree at Exeter and then pursued a PhD in Biological Sciences. Her main responsibilities include conducting seed Biology research at Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, publishing work in scientific journals and training and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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We talked to Alice in more detail about her experience of the Career Mentor Scheme.

How do you feel the career mentor scheme has helped you overall?

  • Improved my confidence to seek graduate level employment
  • Improved my personal skills needed for graduate level employment
  • Helped me prepare for my next steps – graduate level employment / further study
  • Professional experience to put on my CV
  • Gained work experience / internship
  • Made a friend / future professional contact in my mentor

How do you feel the mentoring process has enhanced your employability?

By participating in the Career Mentor Scheme, I have picked up valuable skills which will improve my chances of finding employment within the Science sector. Specifically, the opportunity to participate in a 6-week summer internship not only taught me important lessons in how a lab is run, but it also prepared me for my third year research project within my degree.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

For me the most useful aspect of the mentoring scheme was the opportunity to carry out the internship. This gave me time to get to know my mentor better and learn more about her experiences within the Biochemistry sector. It also allowed me to undertake my own research, giving me a level of independence I had not been able to gain through undergraduate lab sessions. The time working with her allowed us to build up more of a rapport and build a long lasting relationship.

Why should students apply to have a mentor?

Students should apply for this scheme as it gives an opportunity to experience the sector they are interested in hands on. It allows you to meet an alumnus from the University who can share their experiences with you, plus give you advice on steps to take to get further in your chosen career.

 

Anna, Science

Biosciences, Science, ,

Anna, a Biosciences student applied for the Career Mentor Scheme and was lucky enough to be matched with previously a Vice President of GSK. This mentor has a range of experiences with some of her previous employment includes Head of Pathology at Unilever, Scientific Director at Quintiles England and Director of Non-Clinical Development at Oxford GlycoSciences.

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Anna was really positive about the experience of being mentored and gave us some really great feedback.

What were the highlights of the scheme for you?

I loved working with my mentor as she was very friendly and open to help about everything. All conversations and discussions with her were useful and relaxed.

What did you find most useful from the mentoring experience?

Being supported by someone who is important in the field. It is good to know that someone who has already established themselves in that area is willing to help you do the same.

What message would you give to a student thinking of applying for the Career Mentor Scheme?

It is an amazing opportunity and I do not regret taking it. I met an amazing person, who helped me focus on what I need and realise what it is that I really want to achieve.