Unsure of my career options with biomedical science degree?

SongBird2020

So I graduated in 2022 with a first class biomedical science degree. Since then I've been working as a band 2 MLA to get some NHS lab experience as I didn't manage to get a placement during my degree. I just recently managed to get a new job as a band 3 MLA in another hospital which would give me more lab experience. My main goal was to progress through the bands and eventually complete my portfolio if that opportunity arises at some point.

However, at the same time as applying for new jobs, I also applied for the STP and somehow I managed to get an interview for it. I just applied not expecting to reach this stage due to the competition. Now I'm really not sure what to do, if I do get a place on the STP, do I just immediately hand in my notice at my new job? That's not going to look good if I ever needed them in the future. From what I hear, career progression as a clinical scientist is much faster than as a BMS and the job seems more interesting to me as you aren't just stuck in the lab all day. However, the chances og me getting it are still very low as I'm up against so many others. Or would it be better just to cancel the interview and apply next year so I can focus on my new job? The timing of everything has been really bad as I'm not sure what to do and feel a bit lost atm. Anyone have any advice? Thanks

Reply 1

HealthcareSci

Original post by SongBird2020

So I graduated in 2022 with a first class biomedical science degree. Since then I've been working as a band 2 MLA to get some NHS lab experience as I didn't manage to get a placement during my degree. I just recently managed to get a new job as a band 3 MLA in another hospital which would give me more lab experience. My main goal was to progress through the bands and eventually complete my portfolio if that opportunity arises at some point.
However, at the same time as applying for new jobs, I also applied for the STP and somehow I managed to get an interview for it. I just applied not expecting to reach this stage due to the competition. Now I'm really not sure what to do, if I do get a place on the STP, do I just immediately hand in my notice at my new job? That's not going to look good if I ever needed them in the future. From what I hear, career progression as a clinical scientist is much faster than as a BMS and the job seems more interesting to me as you aren't just stuck in the lab all day. However, the chances og me getting it are still very low as I'm up against so many others. Or would it be better just to cancel the interview and apply next year so I can focus on my new job? The timing of everything has been really bad as I'm not sure what to do and feel a bit lost atm. Anyone have any advice? Thanks

If you get the place on the STP then wait until you have the unconditional offer (same as with your current posts) and then hand in your notice. I can't imagine anyone being surprised that you leave a band 3 post for a band 6 post with an included masters. People leave for new jobs and career progression all the time and it's expected.

I'd make sure you're happy with the idea of becoming a clinical scientist, but if that's the route you want then taking an STP spot is the best decision. If you wait for next year then the post you want may not be available, or you may not make it through to shortlisting.