Work experience

Dr Andrew Short

Principal at Kings Bournemouth, Dr Andrew Short, explains why relevant work experience is so important to any student seeking a medicine-related career.

"Students following a Life Sciences or medical pathway have the opportunity during their time at Kings of adding to their profile by completing a period of work experience.

We have an agreement with local hospitals which allows students to have direct experience of working in an emergency department or ward, shadowing doctors in their practice. This placement can take place during our Enrichment weeks or out of term time. Students also have the opportunity to join the hospital for longer term voluntary service allowing them to work around school times whilst they study.

Aside from helping students achieve higher grades in their studies and providing an understanding of their chosen career path, work experience can help towards making choices for university courses.

Our university application coordinators confirm that work experience gives students an advantage in applications and some vocational degree courses such as medicine insist that applicants complete work placements before applying.

A piece in The Guardian quoting Sheffield University Medical School explains that this helps students to develop their medical knowledge and skills and ensures that they have 'an understanding of the complex nature of a doctor's role, as well as being aware of the highs and lows of the profession' which we think is vital for anyone considering a career in such an important sector."