u/Super_Translator218

Sorry if this is the wrong sub I can't really think of anywhere else to post it

I live in Scotland and I have to pick between two universities, I'm choosing between staying at home for University but going to a university that is IBMS accredited with a placement year, or leave home for an IBMS accredited degree that doesn't offer a placement year.

I keep hearing about how bad the job market is, and especially with a biomedical science degree. Experience is everything, and I'm really scared about my future and securing a job if I don't do a placement year. However, I don't want to stay at home for university that's my main problem, there are a lot of things I'm hiding from my family and I really want that independence so I can see how the real world works and get out my comfort zone, however doing that could potentially make my life harder in getting a job in the future.

Getting a placement year is very important to becoming a biomedical scientist I know, but being a biomedical scientist isn't a set goal for me, I chose the degree because of its diversity and I love all the subjects related to it.

I'm very open to pivoting into non-lab roles or careers related to it like medical writing, sales, regulatory affairs and the like, the placement year would be undoubtedly beneficial if my sole aim was to become a biomedical scientist, but would it be beneficial for other roles? If not an NHS placement what other placements can I apply for that would help me? I search up the placements that are available around me and most are audit, finance or accounting and little are life science relevant, idk what I'm going to do to get relevant experience, is life science just not that big in Scotland?

I'm really worried about making the wrong choice. Idk whether I should just give it up all together

I really want to get into the Scottish STP so I want to choose a university that would best suit the requirements. I'm doing biomedical science

My options are between:

- a uni with IBMS accreditation but with no placement year, it's a very flexible degree and allows you to specialize in immunology, microbiology, pharmacology or biochemistry depending on your preference. Why I think this is helpful is due to the STP being a very specialized, if I find what I like Within these disciplines and pick modules based off these + the honours project at the end of the course, I could show that I have special interest in it and proof of that, however the hurdle is work experience which I'm not sure how to go about as finding life science placement is hard enough.

- the next option is a university with IBMS accreditation and a placement year however no flexibility(no optional modules, even in the standard route) the work experience is the obvious pro here, however I know it's very competitive so if I fail to get one(heaven forbid) I'm not sure if I'll have anything to show for it (Aside the honours project). I could try finding a placement myself however the city for this university is quite small and finding a placement yourself is still hard regardless.

What are people's thoughts on this? I'm unsure which to choose.

P.S. I know my plan doesn't account for alot of stuff that life can hurl at you like changing your mind but I want to go in with some sort of plan and structure