“It’s opened my mind to new possibilities” – our work experience young people on their time with us

This spring we welcomed two of our Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG) members, Shafia and Abdirahman, to ARC West for a week’s work experience. Read on to find out what they learnt about health and care research, and why they feel it is important for young people to have an understanding of and voice within it.

Abdirahman

I chose to do my work experience at ARC West after hearing my sister speak highly of her time there. She described it as an engaging and worthwhile experience, and I was eager to find out more for myself.

Throughout the placement, we explored a wide range of research topics and visited several different people involved in healthcare research. This helped me realise just how broad the field of research is, and how many different paths there are. The most memorable part was with the “sleep detectives,” where we learned how electrodes can be used to manipulate muscles. And visiting Bristol University was definitely hardest, only because walking up the hill in the heat to get there was a nightmare!

Overall, my time at ARC West has given me a clearer understanding of research as a career and its impact on society. I believe experiences like this are important for young people, as they make us more aware of the possible careers we can pursue.

My main takeaway is that research isn’t limited to a specific age or stage in life. This experience showed me that there’s always space to explore new paths.

Shafia

I wanted to do my work experience with NIHR ARC West because as a YPAG member I enjoy interacting and collaborating with researchers. This work experience allowed me to get an insight into what happens behind the scenes.

During my week at ARC I explored a range of different workplaces. This included the Bristol Brain Centre, where I was able to witness a patient being tested as a part of the Fastball study. This gave me an understanding of how some research is carried out.

My favourite part of the week was the tour around the Bristol University Campus. I particularly enjoyed being able to see the aerospace engineering facilities and Wills Memorial library.

I appreciated being able to have work experience in such a warm environment. I also learned that one career path doesn’t define my entire future and it’s okay to change direction.

I think the most challenging part was the interaction with so many new faces. Although it was awkward in the moment, I’m really grateful for the experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow more confident in new environments.

My work experience week has reassured me that even if I decide to go down a different career path in the future, that’s completely okay. I’m so grateful for this experience because it’s really opened my mind to new possibilities I hadn’t considered before. It’s made me seriously think about options like university and exploring other fields I might be passionate about.

It’s immensely important that young people have a clear understanding of how work in health and research operates, because we are the future generation. The decisions made today in these fields will shape the world we grow up in and eventually lead. Health and research affect every aspect of our lives.

Overall, I’m so grateful to have participated in this work experience. The week has given me valuable reassurance and clearer guidance moving forward!