The Student Room Group

NHS Scientist Training Programme 2016 applicants!

Scroll to see replies

Original post by Janu_55
Did you guys book your interview slots yet? Morning or afternoon?
Anyone staying in a hotel overnight before the interview?

I'm super excited (read:stressed!)


What slot have you applied for? And which stream are you applying to? I'm Clinical Biochemistry :s-smilie:
Original post by emm18
Just emailed them and they said they cannot release any information regarding your position on the reserve list, and keep an eye on Oriel basically :frown:


There is still a chance that people will shift up the list! For example people apply to both genetics and biochem or similar and get interviews for both offered at different times - they might initially book an interview slot on one only to turn it down in a week's time. I think you could get an email up to the day before the interview offering you a slot. Stay positive :smile:
Reply 862
Original post by Bagsworth
There is still a chance that people will shift up the list! For example people apply to both genetics and biochem or similar and get interviews for both offered at different times - they might initially book an interview slot on one only to turn it down in a week's time. I think you could get an email up to the day before the interview offering you a slot. Stay positive :smile:


Aha I'm not going to get my hopes up about anyone dropping out of a Genetic Counselling interview though. And it's a shame because I highly doubt there will be 15 places again next year!
Interviews booked!! Pretty glad I have two, if I really mess up the first one hopefully I can learn for the next one :biggrin:!!


Original post by emm18
Aha I'm not going to get my hopes up about anyone dropping out of a Genetic Counselling interview though. And it's a shame because I highly doubt there will be 15 places again next year!


You could well be surprised, looking on things like this before, people often apply for a range of things including PhDs, graduate medicine etc. and they might have different first choices to others, seems like every year at least some reserves do get interviews! Best of luck.

p.s. any reason why you think there will be less next year, I don't know that much about the genetic counselling?
Reply 864
Original post by emm18
Just emailed them and they said they cannot release any information regarding your position on the reserve list, and keep an eye on Oriel basically :frown:


Just got the same reply...I really don't see why not, it won't give us an advantage for example, just some idea how screwed up we are...
So I kind of thought in service candidates were competing for the same positions as direct entry candidates, but I've just read something that contradicts this. Does anyone know if the number of positions on the pdf on the NSHCS website only refers to the direct entry candidates? Kind of makes me feel a little more hopeful if I'm not competing directly with people who are already in service :biggrin:!!!
Reply 866
Original post by Nightwing_
So I kind of thought in service candidates were competing for the same positions as direct entry candidates, but I've just read something that contradicts this. Does anyone know if the number of positions on the pdf on the NSHCS website only refers to the direct entry candidates? Kind of makes me feel a little more hopeful if I'm not competing directly with people who are already in service :biggrin:!!!


The number they've announced for each specialism is only direct entry - in-service is completely separate so don't worry :smile:
Original post by Nightwing_
So I kind of thought in service candidates were competing for the same positions as direct entry candidates, but I've just read something that contradicts this. Does anyone know if the number of positions on the pdf on the NSHCS website only refers to the direct entry candidates? Kind of makes me feel a little more hopeful if I'm not competing directly with people who are already in service :biggrin:!!!


The positions advertised are for direct entry only. We are not competing against in service applicants as they will be paid by their hospital if successful whereas we get paid from a different source.
Original post by rjojo
The number they've announced for each specialism is only direct entry - in-service is completely separate so don't worry :smile:


Original post by Bagsworth
The positions advertised are for direct entry only. We are not competing against in service applicants as they will be paid by their hospital if successful whereas we get paid from a different source.


Thanks guys!!! That actually makes me feel better about the interviews. Still pretty terrified, but ever so slightly less so :smile:
(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by Bagsworth
What slot have you applied for? And which stream are you applying to? I'm Clinical Biochemistry :s-smilie:


Hi Bagsworth, Can I mplease ask your background. I am applying for Clinical Biochemistry as well but am a bit new to this field. Also did you apply for biochemistry only?
Congratulation to all who are successfull this year.
For those that didnt get through this year, dont be put off by this outcome. Apply again next year
Unsuccessful for genomics, shortlist reserve for genomic counselling. Gutted but trying to think positive and looking at what else I can do in the mean time to get out of teaching. Congratulations to everyone who made it through to interview this year, I'm hoping it will be me next time around! :smile:
Original post by Chem_Angel
Hi Bagsworth, Can I mplease ask your background. I am applying for Clinical Biochemistry as well but am a bit new to this field. Also did you apply for biochemistry only?


I did only apply to Biochemistry only, I don't know if it helped that I was mentioning biochemistry a lot in my application.

I have a degree in biomedical sciences, just finishing writing up a PhD and am currently a biomedical scientist in biochemistry. This is my second time applying.
What's your background Chem_Angel? I wouldn't worry that you're new to this as you've got an interview so they clearly saw something in your application!
(edited 8 years ago)
Reply 873
massive congrats to all those who got through and good luck with the interviews!!!!
I was unsuccessful for genomics and genomic counselling, and am trying to work out how to improve my application.. anyone who got through got any ideas?
I have worked in a prestigious genomics unit in a hospital for 3 months (my uni summer holiday level 1) working in their lab sequencing genes and assisting in research.. and worked for my second summer until now in genetics charity doing a role very similar to genetic counselor. I also have a massive amount of patient interaction (hospital work experience and volunteering with children with genetic diseases) and visited lots of labs. I have been a youth counselor for years, I tutor 5 times a week, I have been head on youth trips abroad to name a few!... I dont see how I could get any more people/leadership/counselling experiences than i already have! I cant fit any more into my schedule!!
the only thing i can think of is that i need more scientific experience, i.e. people skills are less important. SO maybe if I got a job now in specialized labs would that help?? ALso the uni I am in is not a top 10 .. does that make a difference??? what do they care about ?!
Hi Guys,

Any tips for interviews, from people who attended previous year will be most helpful. I understand you would not want to give away too much. Could anybody throw some light on preparing for the technical part as the subjects are vast and knowing/ remembering everything on the said day will be difficult.

Please throw some light on subject..Thanks.
Reply 875
Original post by nech
massive congrats to all those who got through and good luck with the interviews!!!!
I was unsuccessful for genomics and genomic counselling, and am trying to work out how to improve my application.. anyone who got through got any ideas?
I have worked in a prestigious genomics unit in a hospital for 3 months (my uni summer holiday level 1) working in their lab sequencing genes and assisting in research.. and worked for my second summer until now in genetics charity doing a role very similar to genetic counselor. I also have a massive amount of patient interaction (hospital work experience and volunteering with children with genetic diseases) and visited lots of labs. I have been a youth counselor for years, I tutor 5 times a week, I have been head on youth trips abroad to name a few!... I dont see how I could get any more people/leadership/counselling experiences than i already have! I cant fit any more into my schedule!!
the only thing i can think of is that i need more scientific experience, i.e. people skills are less important. SO maybe if I got a job now in specialized labs would that help?? ALso the uni I am in is not a top 10 .. does that make a difference??? what do they care about ?!



Did you attend open days and try to contact people currently in healthcare or current STP trainees? I think you have plenty of people experience but that would of only got you the relevant points on the application. I don't think the University makes a difference either, my university isn't a top ten at all. what degree did you do?
Reply 876
Original post by nech
massive congrats to all those who got through and good luck with the interviews!!!!
I was unsuccessful for genomics and genomic counselling, and am trying to work out how to improve my application.. anyone who got through got any ideas?
I have worked in a prestigious genomics unit in a hospital for 3 months (my uni summer holiday level 1) working in their lab sequencing genes and assisting in research.. and worked for my second summer until now in genetics charity doing a role very similar to genetic counselor. I also have a massive amount of patient interaction (hospital work experience and volunteering with children with genetic diseases) and visited lots of labs. I have been a youth counselor for years, I tutor 5 times a week, I have been head on youth trips abroad to name a few!... I dont see how I could get any more people/leadership/counselling experiences than i already have! I cant fit any more into my schedule!!
the only thing i can think of is that i need more scientific experience, i.e. people skills are less important. SO maybe if I got a job now in specialized labs would that help?? ALso the uni I am in is not a top 10 .. does that make a difference??? what do they care about ?!


I think they are genuinely looking for all rounders. It's all on a scoring system and there are no points awarded for the university you went to, but obviously there are for how well you did and you get further points for doing a relevant masters. Every question has to be answered perfectly, hitting every point they mention within the question and beyond (e.g. the NHS values one, making sure everything you say is relevant and demonstrates you adhere to those values). Think of it not as how much experience you have but how you can put that into words and make yourself scream "NHS", pretty much. Experience helps but doesn't entitle you to an interview, from reading around this year and last year and knowing several people that have succeeded and not, that's clear. I like to think that the questions aren't about you so much, but about what you can contribute - as plenty of people either a/ have experience too or b/ could quickly learn the skills needed. I don't mean this message to you specifically of course, but I've seen a lot of people asking so I thought I'd give my two pennies worth.
Reply 877
Original post by tsvety
Just got the same reply...I really don't see why not, it won't give us an advantage for example, just some idea how screwed up we are...


I don't think they're not saying on account of unfair advantage but rather sheer volume of applicants. I guess they have a pretty hectic workload!
Original post by Bagsworth
There is still a chance that people will shift up the list! For example people apply to both genetics and biochem or similar and get interviews for both offered at different times - they might initially book an interview slot on one only to turn it down in a week's time. I think you could get an email up to the day before the interview offering you a slot. Stay positive :smile:


Hi Bagsworth,

Well done on securing an interview!
I understand this is your 2nd time applying?

Can I ask what you done differently this time round or if you think there is any reason why this year you have managed to secure an interview?
Reply 879
Original post by ejb21
Did you attend open days and try to contact people currently in healthcare or current STP trainees? I think you have plenty of people experience but that would of only got you the relevant points on the application. I don't think the University makes a difference either, my university isn't a top ten at all. what degree did you do?


I couldnt make it to any of the open days :frown: I did biomedical science (genetics) Im in my third year..
during my lab work at the hospital i worked under a guy who had done the STP but that just showed me what the job is like .. im not in touch with him so I cant ask for guidance if thats what you mean.
I have relevant work experience in labs and i would have more but im only in my third year - i literally do not have time to get a lab job so i worked in my holidays.. maybe a masters would help get more scientific experience
cheers

Quick Reply

Latest