Andrew M.

Research assistant
Happy to mentor
Happy to be contacted

About me

Andrew M.
Biology
Animal physiology and biochemistry
Undergraduate
Alcuin
1970
United Kingdom

My employment

Research assistant
Imperial College
United Kingdom
Science and research

More about Andrew

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A day in the life of a Research assistant in the United Kingdom

Briefly describe the organisation you work for

Biochemistry dept of Imperial College, mostly performing perfusion of rat hearts. This was to permit tests of factors affecting recovery from a period of anoxia and therefore relevant to cardiac research for the British Heart Foundation, who financed the work. I later moved to Guys Hospital as a research assistant. This was more technical work involving calibrating cardiac output measuring equipment in a lab and applying it in the intensive care ward to post surgery patients.
I later retrained as a Careers Officer and worked for Devon County Council in schools and colleges. The training involved learning counselling skills. and liaising with techers and lecturers.

What do you do?

isolated perfusion of rat hearts

Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?

old age, poor health lead to retirement

Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?

Latterly I was self employed

Describe your most memorable day at work

Really interesting conversations with teenagers when I was a Careers Officer for Devon County Council

What’s your work environment and culture like?

Now retired and living at home

What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?

Ran the biology society.
Went to Music concerts

What would you like to do next with your career?

Nothing

What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?

Be prepared for more than one career. Your first will not be your only one.

What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?

Work as a careers officer.
Self employment

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

I have had several jobs: biochemistry research, scietific assistant in Guys Hospital, Careers Officer with Devon County Council, self employed designer/manufacturer.

Next steps...

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