You may not hear much about it, but it is incredibly useful to gain work experience whilst here at Cambridge. Graduation may seem a mile off (or scarily close for those in their final year), but a lab placement here or there, or an internship can really help you stand miles above other job seekers.

How to find lab-placements and internships

• Don’t be afraid to make use of the Cambridge Careers Service. They are incredibly useful, can help you with a C.V. and have daily job updates, including summer internship opportunities.

• NatureJobs are also really good with frequently updated positions from all over the world, as are the New Scientist





• The MilkRound have a range of industrial placements and jobs advertised, whilst FindAPhD.com does exactly what it says on the tin, but sometimes also contains summer placements.





• Or, if you fancy staying in Cambridge (and Cambridge is SO different during the Summer), search Cambridge department websites, find a lab you might be interested in and email the supervisor. It’s much less painful and intimidating than you think and most supervisors are used to such requests from students.





• When applying for internships and summer lab placements, college fellows are often more than willing to be references, so again don’t be afraid to ask.