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 employed and what are your areas of responsibility?

I work in the Department of Epidemiology and Biometry in the Department of Health Services Research. Clinical epidemiology is an important pillar of the department's work; my main focus is on chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. My tasks include, for example, contacting patients for studies. I can also participate in the compilation of questionnaires and in the evaluation phases.

Why did you decide to do a Voluntary Scientific Year?

In principle, I already knew that I wanted to work in the medical field later on, but I didn't want to start a degree programme straight after leaving school. The range of courses on offer is extremely broad and you often only have a vague idea of what academic appointments a degree programme offers and what everyday working life will look like later on. The FWJ is a good opportunity to secure your choice of degree programme and career aspirations. During the FWJ, you can get information "on site", so to speak, and exchange ideas with lots of people; incidentally, this also makes the interdisciplinary team in Epidemiology and Biometry very interesting.

What do you think you'll get out of this year?

The FWJ offers the unique opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of scientific work even before you start your studies. You learn to work independently and on your own responsibility and to organise yourself - which is of course very important for your studies later on.
I moved away from home for the FWJ, which is also an important step towards independence after school.

What have you learnt so far during your voluntary service?

First of all, you have to familiarise yourself with the subject matter - of course you learn something about the area you are working in. I also have the opportunity to take part in courses and familiarise myself with software such as SPSS or Endnote. The latter in particular is very useful and helpful for many degree programmes. We are also allowed to take part in an English course at the university's Language Centre during the FWJ.
You get to know the university and scientific environment, for example I have already been able to attend scientific conferences and listen to many interesting lectures there.

The FWJ is a great opportunity to get to know the university and research. It gives you insights into areas that you don't usually get to see so quickly. Especially if you are still unsure about your choice of study programme, you should take the chance and apply :).