Where did you go and what did you do?
I undertook a teaching placement at York St John University on the Biomedical Science program. During my time on placement, I was put in charge of organizing the biochemistry lecture series on metabolism.
I gave a series of lectures on Glycolysis, TCA and glycogen storage diseases, because of the success of my teaching a popularity among students, I was also given the responsibility to teach enzyme kinetics – summative content that would comprise 40% of the students module mark.
I was also there to aid
demonstration of practical sessions, being available to students during their practical sessions. Again, because the staff were happy with my performance, I was given the ability to lead the summative enzyme kinetics practical session.
I took part in a number of other teaching activities, like personal tuition of students that were struggling with biochemistry, judging posters in preparation for an examination, marking essay scripts, building teaching material for future workshops/practical’s and more!
What made you want to do that particular placement?
I have always wanted to teach scientific content at a University level, it is a large reason why I decided to undertake a PhD in the first place. I thought it would be a good opportunity to see whether I would actually enjoy the job that I have been aiming to get over the last 10 years.
How did you go about finding and planning your PIPS?
I was very fortunate to join the lab next to the only previous intern of this placement! I had spoken with the post-doc next door about their PIPS at York St John after I mentioned that I wanted to go into teaching. So I was already aware of the opportunity but then an advert was circulated by our PIPS coordinator Phil Yang.
What have you gained from doing your PIPS?
I have solidified that this is the right path for me and I have gained a confidence that I can not 
only just get to the career I have been aiming for – but I will probably be quite good at it! I got a lot of really useful insights into how university students are educated from a new perspective.
As part of this PIPS I was encouraged to gather evidence for an application for Associate Fellow with AdvanceHE. I have learned a lot of pedagogical skills in this process and have the tools to get my teaching achievements recognised officially.
How would you sum up your PIPS experience?
My experience was one of the best professional experiences of my career. It has helped me to see that all of the hard work and effort I am putting into my project will pay off with a job that I now know I will really enjoy.
What advice would you give to other PGRs about PIPS?
Don’t stress about what the ‘best possible PIPS opportunity’ could be – Find something you enjoy (or think you would enjoy) and give it a try! This is a very unique experience to go out and do something wildly different from your current role or to explore a potential path you want to go down. Whatever you decide, just remember that not everyone gets this chance!