“I was applying for entry-level science roles but wasn’t hearing back”.
Tucked away on the ground floor of Cambridge Biomedical Campus is Stir café, just below the Histopathology lab where, only a few weeks earlier, Sam had completed a two-week work placement as part of our latest programme Activate Your Future: Health & Care edition.
Over the quiet hum of the cafe, we sat down with Sam to reflect on his experience of the programme, sharing how it shaped his confidence, broadened his understanding of careers in healthcare and gave him a clearer sense of direction for what’s next.
What were you doing before joining the Activate Your Future programme?
I had recently finished my A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, and Economics at Hills Road and was taking a gap year to travel. I’ve always known I wanted to go into the sciences, but I wasn’t entirely sure which direction to take. I looked briefly at university, but I realized I would rather get straight into work, start gaining experience and earn some money.
How did you find the job market before joining the programme?
It was difficult. I managed to get a few interviews but wasn’t getting anywhere.
I was applying for entry-level science roles but wasn’t hearing back from most of them.
What prompted you to apply for Activate Your Future?
My mum actually works in the pharmacy department at Addenbrookes and told me about the programme. I saw it as an opportunity to get genuine experience in a healthcare and science setting.
I knew having this on my CV would be a huge advantage when applying for jobs.
Can you tell me a bit about your work placement?
I was placed in Histopathology, which I was already interested in. I got to shadow various members of staff and to experience every area of the department, seeing biopsies of different organs like the heart and lungs, which was really cool.
Did the programme alter your career aspirations?
It didn’t necessarily change them, but it definitely confirmed them.
It gave me a much more specific idea of the job I want to do.
Has the programme helped you move closer to finding permanent work?
So after my placement, the team I was with actually reached out to inform me about a Band four Lab Technician role that they were hiring for! The work experience was a massive help in the application process as it meant I understood the lab processes and had that specific experience they were looking for. I wouldn’t have known half of that information without it.
Even though the programme had ended by that point, Kate, one of the programme facilitators supported me, checking over my application before I submitted it.
That’s amazing Sam! Finally, what advice would you give to other young people considering the programme?
Just go for it. Pick a field you already enjoy or think you might want to go into, and just try to enjoy the experience!
If you are a local employer interested in supporting programmes like Activate Your Future, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch at info@formthefuture.org.uk