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 Academic Year?

Although I was fairly certain after my Abitur that I wanted to study a science subject (probably physics), I had no idea what a scientist’s day-to-day life was like, so I decided to do a FWJ. I wanted to confirm that I was on the right track for my chosen field of study, or, if necessary, still have the chance to change direction.

Where are you based and what are your responsibilities?

I’m mainly involved in a cycling project at the university called Safety4Bikes. The aim of this project is to improve road safety for cyclists using technical assistance systems. Among other things, our working group tests various sensors to see whether they’re suitable for accurately detecting traffic conditions. My responsibilities include, amongst other things, designing and manufacturing components using a 3D printer, and writing a concept paper for the project. I also have the opportunity to do some basic programming, which is helping me gradually familiarise myself with various programming languages and the field of robotics.
Alongside this, I am assisting with a study in the trauma surgery department at the Evangelical Hospital that documents the consequences of injuries sustained in cycling accidents. I am largely responsible for interviewing in-patient patients, entering the data into a database and carrying out other organisational tasks. To do this, I had to familiarise myself with medical terminology and acquire a basic understanding of anatomy at the start of my voluntary year, so that I could understand medical reports and classify diagnoses into different injury categories. I also take part in the daily medical rounds, which gives me an insight into the interpretation of CT and X-ray scans as well as treatment planning.

What challenges have you had to face so far?

Settling into both placements at the same time was a bit tricky at first. I had to learn how the day-to-day work routine works and who to turn to if I had any problems. In particular, approaching patients who were in hospital, some with serious injuries, was very difficult for me at first. However, over time I’ve realised how rewarding it can be to engage with patients, and I’ve learnt not to be discouraged if a patient reacts negatively on occasion.

What has pleasantly surprised you?

I particularly like the variety of the FWJ programme, which I hadn’t expected to this extent: at university, I have the opportunity to learn about all sorts of things beyond my day-to-day work. Whether it’s through an English course, lectures, other FWJ volunteers, seminars, taking part in other studies or conversations with colleagues – I learn something new almost every day. I also have the chance at the hospital to observe day-to-day work in other departments, such as radiology or the A&E department.

What advice would you give to future volunteers?

Don’t let yourself get discouraged if you’re still feeling a bit unsure at the start and don’t feel confident about some tasks. If you’re a bit patient with yourselves, the rest will fall into place all by itself. Embrace new experiences, enjoy your work and speak up if you have any questions or requests – you have the chance to help shape your FWJ and you should make the most of it.

You’ll learn a lot and have some brilliant experiences!