Making the most of work experience

Work experience is one of many steps towards medical/dental school, allowing students to gain valuble insights into healthcare that you may not otherwise gain from volunteering or a job. However, many applicants take on work experience and so you need to ensure that you are making the most of your placement, so you can stand out in your personal statement and at interview. Below, are a few tips on how to do so.

Keep a diary
In just a week of work experience you are bound to see lots of new and exciting things each day. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that by the end of the week, you will forget half of the details from your first day. This is why it is absolutely paramount to keep a diary of each day, noting down key experiences. Being able to note down your experiences in a concise way will make writing your personal statement far easier down the line. However, it is important that what you write in your work experience diary is meaningful; rather than simply writing “I saw a hip surgery today”, note which members of the MDT were present in theatre, how they interacted with each other and the patient and then reflecting on the skills and qualities you noticed. Conscious note-taking in this manner will ensure that you are getting more from your work experience than you might by simply watching a YouTube video about doctors.

Speak to everyone you can
During my 2 different weeks of work experience, I tried to speak to as many people as possible, including nurses, medical students, and physicians’ assistants. Speaking to real life members of staff can give you a more personal insight into healthcare, as well as help you decide whether or not you want to be a doctor specifically, or look into the allied healthcare professions. While you may be at work experience to see what it is like to be a doctor, the value of exploring other healthcare careers while on your placement cannot be underestimated. After all, a doctor must recognise the importance of all members in their MDT, in order to deliver the best patient care. Furthermore, speaking to everyone you can has an extra benefit: more placements. Personally, I spent time in theatre speaking to the aneasthetist about their career, and what brought them into the profession. In the end, they got me in touch with a consultant from a speciality of my choosing to help me get more experience.

Be professional
While this may go without saying, it is important to bear professionalism in mind. Ensuring you are wearing appropriate clothing, and addressing everyone you see by their surname/name on their nametag goes a long way in terms of showing respect to those around you. Similarly, if you are given the privilege of witnessing private moments between the patient and the healthcare professional, i.e. consultations, it is important to maintain confidentiality. You can do this by avoiding speaking about your specific experiences with your friends, or posting on social media. Even as a work experience student, you have a responsibility to maintain confidentiality, as well as the professional atmosphere of the NHS.

Enjoy it!
Most importantly, have fun! Take in everything you can, and catch a glimpse of what your future professional life could be like.