Here, participants in the Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) report on their experiences in the Department of Epidemiology and Biometry at the University of Oldenburg.

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

I work in the Division of Epidemiology and Biometrics within the Department of Health Services Research. Clinical epidemiology is a key pillar of the division’s work; my research focuses primarily on chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. My responsibilities include, for example, contacting patients for studies. I am also able to help with drawing up questionnaires and with the data analysis phases.

Why did you decide to do a Voluntary Research Year?

I already knew, in principle, that I wanted to work in the medical field later on, but I didn’t want to start a degree straight after my Abitur. The range of degree programmes on offer is extremely wide, and often you only have a vague idea of the career prospects a degree programme offers and what day-to-day work will actually look like later on. The FWJ is a great way to confirm your choice of degree and your career aspirations. During the FWJ, you can find out about things ‘on the ground’, so to speak, and exchange ideas with lots of people; incidentally, that’s also what makes the interdisciplinary team in epidemiology and biometrics so interesting.

What do you think this year will bring you?

The FWJ offers a unique opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of scientific work even before you start your degree. You learn to work independently and take responsibility for your own work, as well as how to organise yourself – which is, of course, very important for your degree later on.
I moved out of my parents’ house for the FWJ, which is also an important step towards independence after leaving school.

What have you learnt so far during your voluntary service?

First of all, you have to familiarise yourself with the subject matter and get to grips with the work – naturally, you learn about the field you’re working in. I’ve also had the chance to attend lectures and get to grips with software such as SPSS or EndNote. The latter in particular is very useful and helpful for many degree programmes. We’re also allowed to take part in an English course run by the university’s Language Centre as part of the FWJ.
You get to know the university and academic environment; for example, I’ve already been able to attend academic conferences and listen to lots of interesting presentations there.

The FWJ is a great opportunity to get to know the university and the world of research. It gives you an insight into areas that you wouldn’t normally get to see so easily. Especially if you’re still unsure about which degree programme to choose, you should seize this chance and apply :).