PLUS PROGRAM REFLECTION

Aishwarya Singh s2944130

GRIFFITH UNIVERISITY 7211NSC
 Employment Ready

Finishing my undergraduate in Biomedical science was a both exciting and a dead end moment of
my life. I had obtained the knowledge and was competent to apply all the theory I had obtained
from the three hard years of study; however, I was not employable as I did not have any clinical
experience.

During my advanced physiology course, not only did I find all the content covered highly interesting,
I extremely appreciated my lecturer. My lecturer had passion, humour and moreover was highly
attentive to the students questions and had designed the course in a manner where students were
encouraged to gain knowledge and were able to seek help. During our lectures we were informed
of The Graduate Diploma of Clinical Physiology and what the course entailed along with what role
a clinical measurement scientist plays in healthcare. Prior to applications, we were requested to
book an appointment with the course convenor (my lecturer) so we could be debriefed on the
layout and structure of the course. The one-on-one meeting with my lecturer and the explained
structure of the course helped me in realise the importance of the course and how it equipped me
for employment.

Transitioning In

Applying and successfully obtaining a position in the course was a milestone in my education and
career. During applications prospective students were invited to graduating students seminar
presentations. This opportunity was a beneficial chance to envision where I would be in a years
time and the level of performance that was expected of me. It was also an opportunity to network
with the graduates and healthcare professionals.

There was also a careers night where alumni from the course were invited to give a small speech
on their academic and career journey. Attending these events provided me with an insight in the
role and workings of a clinical measurement scientist building a greater positive outlook into my
career.

During orientation week, students were asked to attend workshops, networking and fundamental
lectures prior to commencing the trimester. Unfortunately, during this period, I was admitted in
hospital after suffering a severe injury. Although I did not have the oppurtunity to attend the
orientation events my lecturer had organised, I understand how beneficial they would have been.
It was an opportunity to get familiarised with other students, industry professionals and revise
essential knowledge.
Transitioning through

Going through the course with specific teaching methods such as the problem based learning
(PBL) case studies, assisted me in developing quick critical thinking skills and being able to apply
my knowledge in order to reach a solution. I found PBL highly effective as I am a person who
learns with questions so I can acknowledge the gaps in my knowledge and work hard to build my
understanding of topics.

The four subjects during trimester one were designed to specifically to prepare me for my future
placements and prospective employment opportunities. Throughout placement I realised the
significance of all the content covered in class and how every aspect of every subject was targeted
to getting me profession ready.

The process of developing a resume and personal statement was highly advantageous although I
did perceive it in this light when I was required to submit the assessment pieces. Constructing my
clinical measurements resume made me realise the detail and the personal experiences I needed
to write about to be an outstanding candidate. The personal statement equipped me to write
succinctly and still provide vital selling detail of my history and experiences.

Developing my online e-portfolio was a self-constructive and career building experience. Being
assigned the task in trimester one and given the year to work on it and adding vital achievements,
employment history and clinical placement experiences made me value my previous experiences
which were not directly relevant to a career in clinical measurements, but were still effective
transferrable skills.

Creating my resume, personal statement and e-portfolio fore-fronted how competitive the health
industry is and how I need to have a point-of-difference to stand out from the overall graduates
eligible to obtain the positions I am applying for. Furthermore, in retrospect, the interview to get
into the Graduate Diploma was an excellent personal and professional building experience. I was
able to recognize the important components of a job interview and many other moments in my
professional career where it will be essential to be versatile and dynamic during an interview
providing answers that are not only sufficient but showcase me as a high performer.

The 12-week clinical placement experience in trimester two prepared me incomparably for a career
in clinical measurements. With six weeks in cardiac and six weeks in respiratory I understood the
working environment, daily tasks and the level of performance required as an employee.
Throughout my clinical placement I was able to apply and further develop my knowledge but most
importantly, I was able to develop technical skills essential to a career in clinical measurements. I
created professional connections by attending placement and meetings such as the ANZSRS
respiratory meeting. I developed a greater understanding towards my role as a clinical
measurement scientist and the overall function of the hospital. I also recognised my passion for
pursuing this career and concluding that I want to progress on this pathway and be a high achieving
employee as a cardiac and respiratory scientist.

Throughout the aforementioned assessments, experiences and components of the course, I

recognised my strengths and attributes that were important for my future career and growth as an
individual. However, I also realised my weaknesses. Through these identifications I was able to
work and rectify these aspects of my personality and knowledge to begin my pathway of
improvement.

Additionally, having workshops to assist in writing assessment tasks throughout the placement
semester were imperative. They provided us with guide points for assessments and how to achieve
highly in our tasks, moreover they also gave us an opportunity to debrief and see where all our
peers were at in their placements. I took these classes as an opportunity to understand
assessment pieces and to discuss and relate to other students which was important for improving
my performance in my clinical placement.

Transitioning Out

During the end of clinical placements and conclusion of the course, there were workshops on
submitting successful resumes and writing selection criteria. Being unfamiliar with the concept of
Selection criteria , these workshops were highly useful and advantageous for learning techniques
and answers for interview questions and writing appealing resumes.

Presenting a case study in a seminar where various healthcare professionals are invited is another
opportunity for networking and building contacts. Being able to display the knowledge and skills
that have been acquired throughout my study and placement to the clinical professional community
is highly beneficial and also shows my involvement within the field.

Graduating with this course and all the valuable skills, knowledge and experience it has provided
me with, makes me confident that I am ready for a graduate job and am well prepared for the
industry I am entering into. Having an effective degree, well-constructed resume and clinical
experience along with my key attributes makes me a graduate with that essential point-of-
difference. Been given feedback and assistance throughout my pathway of the year I have
developed the ability to be a critical thinker and also a critical reflector, which I now realise are
paramount to be a successful employee.