Merits of taking a year out -Biochemistry/Immunology Degree

Craguls

I'm posting this just to get some feedback on a few ideas that I've been throwing around my head at the moment.

As it stands I've just finished my second year of my science degree and I'm planning (all things going to plan) on specialising in Immunology for my final two years of my degree. Having applied and sadly been rejected from various UREKA sites over the past two years I'm considering taking a year out after my third year to gain some experience by volunteering in research labs, possibly a hospital or something in the vein of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service and so on and so forth.

Naturally, I'll need to arrange all of this in advance but I'm aware (and willing) to work for free but do those of you in the know reckon experience like this would be worth taking a year out for? Ideally, I'd love to work in academia but being realistic I'm aware those positions are few and far between and well I'm trying to make myself as employable as possible in the future.

Any and all advice appreciated.

Tree

Certainly start looking around now, rather than this time next year. A lot of employers will be reluctant to take on a student as you will be without experience or a degree, and they may need to be insured againstt anything you might do wrong as a non-professional.

Im not sure of the value of taking a year out to gain the experience. Experience was a part of the course i did (biomed sci) so i did get a year, but it was graded and didnt break up my degree as it was integrated into it. Consider hassling lecturers to let them work on their projects for free over the summer hoildays (many will be quite happy, and they are used to having students do workfor them).

Possibly talk to lecturers, and potential employers to see if the break in your education wouldn't be viewed negatively. You're more likely to get an internship after college than during (and if you're willing to give up a year for unpaid work, you'll probably have a better chance with a degree in hand). Also, you can apply for ureka next year (it's rare for 2nd years to get into urekas, you'll find a lot of programmes insist on only third years applying). Certainly go hassle your immunology lecturers and see what they can suggest.

cookie1977

A lot of university research labs will take people on during the summer for a few weeks (8-12 max). They may (emphasis on may) be able to pay you something small (Stipend). Look up some of the university sites and contact the senior people in the groups asking can you get some experience. I work in UCD and people write to us all the time looking for experience. Usually we get leaving cert students/transition years/final year science/medicine students. But if someone writes to us we'll always take a look. It's also nice to get recommendations from colleagues or lecturers etc...

I dont think an entire year working for free will help you. Showing you've taken an interest by working for a few weeks in the summer would generally be enough especially if you'd like to go into research.

Craguls

Thanks for the advice, I've emailed the course co-ordinator and asked to be passed on to anyone who would be willing to look for an extra pair of hands. Fingers crossed anyway.

KKBL

What did you end up doing in the end? I'm a second year science student myself and am considering doing something similar so I would love to hear your story...