Work experience for lab jobs in hospitals (or similar)

Hello TSR

I'm looking for people with experience in lab work and related jobs really, just need some advice, even if it's where to look for my answers!

I finish uni this year and I'm struggling to decide what volunteer work/jobs to apply for which will be beneficial for someone who is really interested in working in labs (preferably in hospitals). Most labs are reluctant to apply without experience, so what experience is most valuable? Lab assistant jobs maybe at a uni? Experience in care/hospital settings? I really don't know what they're looking for but I'm willing to work for as long as it takes to get there so if it's going to be long winded then please just tell me how!

I don't know exactly what kind of work you are looking for, but, I will give you my best knowledge

I managed to get a summer lab placement at Southampton Uni just by asking around and I think it is fairly easy to do that at most universities.... however they do prefer penultimate year students (having said that... I did get the experience between my first and second years)

Also the NHS have loads of vacancies for lab assistants which don't require much experience and your degree would probably be a major asset in the application. I had an interview for that kind of job last year with no prior experience at all. Have a look on the NHS jobs website.

If you are really desperate you can always get work shadowing experience in hospital labs.

To actually work as a Biomedical Scientist in a hospital lab you need an accredited IBMS qualification, which I believe you can do as a conversion, but I am not sure on the details of that.

Hi ,

I know this trend was posted a year ago, but I was wondering if shorty.loves.angels is still around cos I really need some advice. I just wanted to know whether you were able to find voluntary lab work. I am currently in the same situation as you were last year. I graduated last summer a degree in biomedical science and I have no lab experience so i'm finding it hard to get a job even trainee biomedical science post. They are limited amount of lab assistant jobs and most require experience as well. I am thinking of applying for lab voluntary work so wondering if you had any luck in applying and if not were you able to get a job. If anyone can give me advice feel free. Thanks in advance

Hi
I start uni next year i am 19 and am also looking for lab based work experience or voluntary lab work did you manage to find any??

Thanks