Eleftheria Milesi MSc Clinical Exercise Cardiac Physiologist, Whaddon Medical Centre (Bletchley), Queens Park Surgery (Bedford) and NHS Trust Bedford

I’ve undertaken various observations which helped me get a better understanding of how the clinical domain runs regardless of the department. Work experience enhanced my communication skills and how to use appropriate language when interacting with patients. It also showed me how to show compassion and understanding when dealing with patients suffering from serious life-threatening diseases. Work experience changed my point of view and motivated me to improve my skills by getting more qualifications.

James Yates Masters by Research (Mres), investigating the health and wellbeing of police personnel

I had previously been working in the field of occupational health for a number of years where I developed a particular interest in the health and wellbeing of emergency services workers. The University of Bedfordshire and the Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research (ISPAR), in collaboration with Bedfordshire police, offered me a unique opportunity to complete a funded MSc by Research, investigating the health and wellbeing of police personnel. The literature review necessary for this project strengthened my knowledge of the health challenges faced by services personnel, which I have been able to call upon on having subsequently worked with Prison and Probation Officers from Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service and Traffic Officers from Highways England.

The nature of an MSc by Research meant I gained a number of project management skills as well as strengthening my research skills following working closely with my excellent supervisory team. As a postgraduate research student, I particularly enjoyed attending research centre meetings, where ideas were exchanged and collaborations became established. Through support from ISPAR, I was able to share the findings from the project at the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Conference (BASES) 2019. Following presenting these findings, I received the Routledge/Taylor & Francis Sport and Exercise Science Impact Award.

During my time at the University of Bedfordshire, I combined my studies with working in the Human Performance Centre. This allowed me to maintain my clinical skills and also expose me to working with a range of clients with different testing requirements. After completing my MSc by Research I returned to working in occupational health with renewed enthusiasm to deliver health and wellbeing guidance that is at a leading edge of research. Since graduating, the University of Bedfordshire has given me further opportunities to deliver guest lectures on the subject of occupational health and my particular area of interest of emergency services personnel health and wellbeing. The research team has further supported me in producing a manuscript and the paper was published with support from ISPAR for open access fees in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18 (13), 6728; doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136728

Relocating to Bedford and taking a career break to complete postgraduate studies felt like a risk at the time but the friendly welcome, fantastic range of opportunities, and excellent support soon allayed any fears. Moreover, through my time at the University of Bedfordshire, I’ve grown my CV exponentially which has served me well in subsequent interviews and applications in both occupational health and research settings.

Ryan Coombs MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology Cardiac Physiologist Shadow, Glenfield Hospital

I took a 48 hour placement at Glenfield Hospital’s Cardiac Investigations Department. I worked as part of a diagnostics team to perform an array of procedures for outpatients suffering with chest pain to determine a best interventional option.

I chose this placement to gain experience working in a hospital with clinical populations and to develop a better understanding of cardiology departments and the job roles.

I gained valuable insight and experience to take with me to future interviews to pursue jobs.

Joshua Alade MSc Strength and Conditioning Coach, Central Beds Swimming Squad

I completed my placement unit with the Central Beds Swimming Squad in Leighton Buzzard.

While I was on placement, my role was to coach the warm-up, lead training and cool-down stretches of each session.

My career aspiration is to be a strength and conditioning coach, this placement unit has been a massive help for my career.

Hannah Thompson MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology Cardiac Physiologist, Royal Derby Hospital and Glenfield Hospital

I performed 64 hours of work experience for my placement unit in cardiac physiology unit at Royal Derby Hospital and Glenfield Hospital, Leicester.

I thoroughly enjoyed these placements and have been able to develop various skills relevant to a career in cardiac physiology.

The placement experience has also provided me with the confidence and motivation to pursue qualifications that will develop me as a clinical physiologist and support my future career. I would recommend this placement module to all MSc students.

Jourdain Benstead-Banthorpe MSc Strength and Conditioning Strength and Conditioning intern, Northampton Saints Assistant Lecturer in Biomechanics, University of Bedfordshire

I did my placements at Northampton Saints and as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to coach the Under 15’s at Northampton Saints, as it gave me a lot to learn.

I also got some time to interact with some of the senior coaches at the club, and pick their brains.

The placement within the labs at the University allowed me to test my current knowledge, whilst talking to current students about the area.

Harry Wood MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology Laboratory Technician, University of Bedfordshire

I was on the 24 hour placement for one of the units within my degree. I completed my placement as a laboratory technician within the University of Bedfordshire laboratories.

I enjoyed my time within the labs and gained useful insight into a possible careers choice. The placement required a wide range of skills due to the diverse research taking place within the labs.

This placement has benefitted my professional skills and has influenced my career options in the future.

Oluwatosin Baiyeroju MSc in Clinical Exercise Physiology Cardiac Physiologist, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust

It was a minimum of 48 hours, which I did for 6 hours for 8 days.

It was really interesting experience and it gave me the opportunity to observe invasive cardiac physiology which is an area I had always wanted to observe.

It also enhanced my knowledge in non-invasive cardiac physiology which will help in furthering my career. I would definitely recommend the placement unit as it is a beneficial experience. It helps to give you a glimpse of the career you have chosen to pursue.

Will Teague MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology Cardiac Physiologist, Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme, Bedford Hospital

As part of this I completed the long placement unit of approximately 50 hours at the cardiac rehabilitation programme at Bedford hospital.

I really enjoyed the experience and learned a variety of skills ranging from instructing on exercise class to listening to cardiac patient’s experiences.

From this, I have decided to complete the British Associations of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR) qualifications, which will qualify me as a cardiac rehabilitation instructor. I would definitely recommend the long placement unit because it gives you vital experience in potential future careers and helped me decide what I wanted to do after university.

Shaun Hickman MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology Graduate Lecturing Assistant, University of Bedfordshire

The long placement was my first opportunity to experience first hand my desired career.

I was involved in multiple aspects of teaching, including laboratory practicals, workshops, and lectures.

I had the opportunity to experience both an observation, and lead lecturing role.

This placement has helped me achieve a part-time hourly paid lecturing role and the successful application for a PhD.

Olivia Williams MSc Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health Promotion Obesity Research Clinic, Luton and Dunstable Hospital

The obesity research place was paramount to the current global epidemic.

It gave me an insight into the challenges patients and nurses faced when encountered with the disease.

It set the foundation for further research as I search for a gap to make a difference to help society overcome.

I aim to continue research in this area and deliver the knowledge around the globe.

Olivia Freeman MSc Strength and Conditioning Intern, Bedford Blues Rugby Football Club

My name is Olivia and I completed a long placement (48 hours) at Bedford Blues Rugby Football Club.

I am on the MSc Strength and Conditioning course and worked within the strength and conditioning department for my placement.

I learnt a lot about strength and conditioning especially when working with elite players. Working hands on in a practical environment is beneficial when wanting to apply theory knowledge in practice. Completing this placement as part of my masters has confirmed my career choice.

Nikhil Dodhia MSc Strength and Conditioning Intern, Luton Town Football Club

I completed a long placement at Luton Town Football Club whereby I worked with the academy players and occasionally some first team players. I was supported a lot and the staff helped me build my confidence. By the end of my placement I was creating strength and conditioning programmes for players and taking the sessions by myself.

I learnt so much from my supervisor and it was great to get some real world experience in a work environment at a professional club.

Completing this course and placement has given me a new skill set which I can take forward when prescribing rehab to clients.