Here, participants in the Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) report on their experiences in the Assistance Systems and Medical Technology department at the University of Oldenburg.

Where are you employed and what are your areas of responsibility?

I work in the Department of Health Services Research in the Division of Assistance Systems and Medical Technology (AMT). My working group deals with nutrition and exercise in old age and is currently developing a measurement and training station for senior citizens in the "AS-Tra" study. My tasks include the organisation behind the study, such as calling test subjects, making appointments and also handing out flyers and organising promotional events in senior citizens' meetings or residential homes. Of course, I don't sit at my desk all day either. I also look after the test subjects during study runs and make changes and repairs to the measuring instruments. I also learn how to analyse data correctly and how to do proper research. I also have the opportunity to try my hand at programming or 3D printing.

What challenges have you faced so far?

When you work with people, there are always interesting situations. Whether on the phone or during a test, you really have to learn how to deal with all kinds of questions and situations. Because I joined right at the start of a study programme, I had to call potential test subjects and make appointments after just a few days. There is a script, but you can't always be prepared for every question. Over time and the phone calls, I was able to help more and more and learnt how to deal with unexpected situations, which definitely helps me outside of work.

What positively surprised you?

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere in the working group right from the interview. And when I started in September, this was more than confirmed. The second FWJ student from the AMT and I were immediately included in the lunch planning, and all the colleagues were happy to help us with any questions we had. I was also impressed by the versatility of the FWJ. Through educational days and guided tours of university facilities, we get an insight into many different areas of research. We also have the opportunity to sit in on other volunteer placements or attend lectures, which allows us not only to get to know our department but also to personalise our time during the year.

Why did you decide to do a Voluntary Scientific Year?

I already know what I want to study next year, but I still wanted to find out what working in scientific research actually means. I already do a lot of voluntary work in my free time and have already had several points of contact with the target group of my working group. I therefore knew that I would really enjoy this area. I can also combine this with my interest in natural sciences in this working group and gain experience before I start my studies.

What have you learnt so far during your voluntary service?

In the first few days, I familiarised myself with the printer and am particularly proud to have learned how to print envelopes. Now I'm one of the two people in my team who can do this :)
Over time, I've been given more and more responsibility and have learnt to take ownership of certain things. For example, I took care of the design, printing and sending of our Christmas card to the entire list of test subjects. I also learnt how to analyse data with SPSS and the right strategy for a literature search using literature databases and Endnote.

What advice would you give to future volunteers?

Don't be afraid to apply, whether in this working group or in a completely different area! Use the year to gain experience, orientate yourself and get to know the university and working world. Don't be afraid to ask your working group if you are unsure. I can guarantee that nobody will bite and everyone will be happy to help. The FWJ offers many opportunities to organise your everyday life. Use the option of attending lectures or sitting in on lectures in areas that interest you.

Why did you decide to do a Voluntary Year of Science?

As I was pretty sure after leaving school that I wanted to study a scientific subject (probably physics), but had no idea what the everyday life of a scientist was like, I decided to do an FWJ. I wanted to be confirmed in my chosen field of study or possibly have the chance to change course.

Where are you employed and what are your areas of responsibility?

I am mainly involved in a bicycle project at the university, Safety4Bikes. The aim of this project is to improve the road safety of bicycles with the help of technical assistance systems. Among other things, our working group is testing various sensors to see whether they are suitable for correctly detecting the traffic situation. My tasks include, among others, designing and manufacturing components with the 3D printer or writing a concept paper for the project. I also have the opportunity to programme little things and slowly familiarise myself with various programming languages and the field of robotics.
I also support a study in the trauma surgery department at the Evangelical Hospital that records the consequences of injuries in bicycle accidents. I am largely responsible for interviewing inpatients, entering the data into a database and other organisational activities. At the beginning of the FWJ, I had to familiarise myself with medical terminology and basic anatomical knowledge in order to understand medical reports and be able to assign diagnoses to different injury categories. I also take part in the daily doctors' meeting, which gives me an insight into analysing CT and X-ray images and treatment planning.

What challenges have you faced so far?

Settling in at both workplaces at the same time was a little complicated at the beginning. I had to learn how everyday working life works and who I could turn to if I had problems. In particular, I found it very difficult at first to approach patients who were in hospital, some of whom had serious injuries. However, over time I realised how rewarding it can be to engage with patients and learned not to be discouraged if a patient reacts negatively.

What positively surprised you?

I particularly like the versatility of the FWJ, which I hadn't expected to this extent: I have the opportunity at the university to get to know different things beyond my job. Be it through an English course, lectures, the other FWJ students, seminars, participation in other studies or discussions with colleagues - I learn something new almost every day. I also have the opportunity to see the day-to-day work in other areas of the hospital, such as radiology or the shock room.

What advice would you give to future volunteers?

Don't be discouraged if you are still unsure at the beginning and don't feel confident about some tasks. If you have a little patience with yourself, the rest will come naturally. Embrace new experiences, have fun with your work and speak up if you have any questions or requests - you have the opportunity to help shape your FWJ and you should make the most of it.

You will learn a lot and have great experiences!