Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

I am part of the Strategic Workforce. NHS clinicians and research teams request support from members of my team for defined time periods to help with running and recruiting to NIHR portfolio clinical research studies. I liaise with Doctors, Nurses and other healthcare workers. I screen, approach and recruit eligible patients; collect and manage data; and manage the patient's journey through a clinical trial.

I go to the site I am assigned to (typically a hospital or satellite unit), will often spend some time setting up and planning for upcoming patient visits, or screening clinic lists or referral letters for potential participants. I spend time with patients most days, either to approach them to participate in research, or to conduct a study visit. This often involves taking blood and other samples, assessing vital signs and collecting relevant data to the trial. Some trials require me to process the samples in the lab. I'm also in regular contact with stakeholders including the trial management centre, sponsor, monitors and other healthcare staff.

I love meeting patients, especially when we can offer them a new test or intervention as part of a research study that they're really grateful for. My work is very varied - I'm constantly learning as I move to new disease areas every few months, so I rarely get bored!

On occasion there are challenges in coordinating many different stakeholders, especially in the early stages of a study/trial being set up. There is also some pressure to recruit as many patients as possible to research to ensure future funding, but it's crucial to put the wellbeing of patients first.

I always wanted to work within the NHS, and loved learning about new research at University. This area is particularly appealing as it allows me to work in research whilst also having a lot of 'human contact'.

Being familiar with and able to understand scientific protocols and medical terminology is essential in my role, so it's a real advantage that my course was so research-focussed. It's also key to be able to communicate with a wide range of people, from consultants and nurses to patients, including children and adults with complex health issues. As I'm regularly given new trials to manage, I have to use my initiative to plan recruitment strategies and deal with new complications. Thankfully, my Uni course required a lot of independent thinking and this has really contributed to my ability to tackle new challenges.

I joined the research department shortly after graduating (2014) in an NHS band 3 administrative role. I mostly worked on maternity and gynaecology studies, and after a year obtained my first role as a study coordinator for a large interventional maternity trial, followed by a year in clinical genetics research. In 2017 I moved to London to work for the Clinical Research Network. The NHS and the CRN offer lots of training and development opportunities; I've done many courses on lab and research skills, communication and leadership, and clinical skills such as phlebotomy and ECG.

I hope to build a lasting career in clinical research, hopefully within the NHS. At some point I'd like to work in other specialties to broaden my experience, and I'm also considering undertaking a Masters degree or other post-grad healthcare related qualification.

Biology is, as mentioned, very research-focussed and it is my impression that many graduates go on to do PhDs, which is a great option. If you're interested in healthcare I'd really recommend thinking about clinical research, especially if you prefer to work with people rather than in labs.

It took me 4 months to find a job after graduating, and I often felt daunted and overwhelmed as I didn't feel I really knew what was out there for me. I'd really encourage new graduates to keep an open mind but also to wait for something that feels 'right' to come along. Also, as disheartening as it may seem, be willing to start on a low salary if it's in a field you're interested in; if you make a good impression you're bound to progress.