Here, participants in the Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) report on their experiences in the working group for visceral surgery at the University of Oldenburg.

Why did you decide to do a voluntary academic year?

After leaving school, I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted to study. I only knew that I was particularly interested in degree programmes in biology or medicine. The FWJ offers the opportunity to get to know exactly this area, the different degree programmes and the everyday working life later on.

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

My area of work and responsibilities is quite broad and I have a lot of say in which tasks I take on. Depending on the study or project, different tasks arise, often quite spontaneously. My tasks range from office work (Excel spreadsheets, literature research, Powerpoints, etc.) to recruiting and supporting test subjects and accepting resectates in the operating theatre and then sending them out.

What challenges have you faced so far?

Contact with test subjects and actively liaising with colleagues and doctors was a big challenge for me at first. For example, getting in contact with doctors myself for studies or to be allowed to watch operations. It turned out to be easier than I thought, as most of them are very nice and helpful. This taught me to leave my comfort zone and that it can even be fun. Another challenge was the open-ended tasks, where you have to decide for yourself when to draw the line. You learn a lot about the world of work and research work itself.

Tasks that you don't actually have the knowledge to complete are also a challenge. However, you learn the ropes through research and tools. It can be a bit frustrating at first, but you learn a lot. It's more a case of trying it out and seeing if it works. Nobody blames you if you don't get it right and you can always ask for help.

What surprised you in a positive way?

My very friendly and helpful working environment. I have nothing but positive things to say about the office, the clinic and the university. I also have the opportunity to actively participate in research. You learn a lot of useful skills along the way and gain experience for your studies or academic appointment in the field. It's great to get to know the practical side of things and not just the theory, as you know it from school.
Another absolute highlight was InterSurge 2025, a new interdisciplinary congress on the digital future of medicine, which I was able to attend and help out at.

What have you learnt so far during your voluntary service?

I have learnt an incredible amount during my voluntary service. For example, how to deal with patients/subjects, how to carry out literature research, how to use TotalSegmentator, how to operate the 3D printer, what the day-to-day work of a doctor or scientist looks like, the principles of scientific work and much more.

What advice would you give to future volunteers?

The FWJ is an incredibly good opportunity to make productive use of the time after leaving school and to find out whether you want to pursue a similar academic appointment later on. You don't need to be afraid and it pays to jump over your own shadow. Take advantage of the opportunities and offers, both in the work group and at university.