Category: Advice

STP Support | A guide for dealing with STP training issues

Problems occur in every area of life and workplaces are no exception. In my career, I’ve had to deal with several different problems at work: from unrealistic expectations and demands from management; bullying; lack of (or poor!) project management; lack of delegation or being set unclear goals. Knowing how to deal with work-related problems effectively and professionally is an essential skill, which will improve job satisfaction, increase personal happiness and ultimately help you to become a more productive and effective employee. 

I have developed a strategy for dealing with problems at work; these steps have been applicable to most of the problems I’ve faced at work and will hopefully help the reader to deal with their own problems effectively. I will start by breaking down the steps to take when facing a generic problem and close with an example describing how to deal with training plan issues.

Continue reading “STP Support | A guide for dealing with STP training issues”

STP Support | The Emotional Rollercoaster of the STP – A Survival Guide

Elation. That was the prevailing emotion that overwhelmed me on 22nd May 2018 at 09:23. The email read: “We are pleased to offer you the following programme: Scientist Training Programme, Cardiac Science”.

Continue reading “STP Support | The Emotional Rollercoaster of the STP – A Survival Guide”

Starting the STP | Tops Tips

The Scientist Training Programme is an incredibly competitive programme that will challenge you and provide you with a vast amount of knowledge and incredible experiences – you have worked very hard to get here and you should be very proud!

Take a minute just to think about what you’ve achieved already!

You’re about to embark on your new career as a trainee clinical scientist, maybe you’ve never had a full time job before, perhaps you’re new to the NHS, or maybe you’ve just moved roles in the NHS. I’m sure everyone is facing some level of uncertainty with what’s to come and what it looks like to be a trainee on the STP. I have compiled a list of my top tips for how to approach the next few months to help you out!

Continue reading “Starting the STP | Tops Tips”

Impostor Syndrome | What is it?

Have you ever been in a situation before where you have doubted your abilities or felt inadequate despite evidence that indicates you are more than capable? 

Continue reading “Impostor Syndrome | What is it?”

Dealing with stress and mental health during a global pandemic  

Whether you’re in the final year of the STP trying to complete competencies, the IACC all while applying for clinical scientist jobs after training, or even if you’re just about to go through the STP interview process, mental health is something that can affect everyone. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that mental health affects one in four people worldwide. If trying to battle through a demanding training programme wasn’t enough, we now have to deal with a global pandemic, which is not only affecting how we work but also everyday aspects of our professional and personal lives. Although lockdown restrictions are starting to lift, we’ve been told to adjust to the “new normal” whatever that is supposed to mean. So, considering we need to adjust the way we work in the future, such as working from home more or working a different shift pattern. We all need to take a bit of time to prepare ourselves for this change and make sure we’re looking after our mental wellbeing.

Continue reading “Dealing with stress and mental health during a global pandemic  “

Making Pals 101: a new city, a new start.

When I received my offer to the STP, believe me, I was ecstatic. When applying to the program, I never dreamed I’d be accepted, let alone get one of my top choices in locations. But here I am, based in the Clinical Genetics department in Cambridge, about to start into my second year of the Genetic Counselling program. When I got that email, I jumped around, I hugged my family, I definitely didn’t cry (jokes) and then, it hit me – I know NO ONE in Cambridge. Here we go again, another new city, another new start.

Continue reading “Making Pals 101: a new city, a new start.”