Maria
"My placement completely set me up for my early career. I began working in a laboratory with skills beyond the level I was being trained at in my new job, and it gave me a head-start to carry out my own research to a high standard."
Why did you apply for a placement? What was important to you?
I applied for a placement to gain experience that would be transferable to a job.
I wanted an opportunity to practise various laboratory techniques that I could gain experience from, as well as a new exciting environment to do that in.
What advice would you give to future placement students?
Aim as high as possible; nothing is out of reach. Go for what you think will be the most valuable experience for you without letting self-limiting beliefs hold you back. Whether it's a placement in a different country or in a really big company that you doubt you will get accepted onto, go for it. The scarier the decision seems, the better it will be for your self-development.
How did your placement shape your early career?
It completely set me up for my early career. Without the placement I wouldn't have been immersed in a research environment within a laboratory. I wouldn't have experienced life in a brand-new city and country and met the amazing researchers that I did. I wouldn't have been inspired by the people I met and to pursue a job in the field that I gained a passion for, which was neuroscience, and wouldn't have gained the confidence I have now in my learning abilities and practical laboratory skills to carry out the work I’m doing now. It set me up to begin working in a laboratory with skills beyond the level I was being trained at in my new job, and gave me a head-start to carry out my own research to a high standard.
What was your best memory?
Going to watch the 4th of July fireworks by Charles River in Boston with friends from my lab.
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