What's it like to work with Prof. Georgina Jackson?

Posted Mon 30th Jun 2014 at 14:40
by Ben Braud

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17 year old Ben was lucky enough to be given a weeks work experience at the UoN. We caught up with him to find out how he got on.

My opportunity to do work experience with Nottingham University and Jubilee Campus in studying & researching Tourette Syndrome with research teams

17 year-old Benjamin Braud has Tourette Syndrome (TS) and recently took part in a research task with Nottingham University. He was invited to spend a week at the university and Jubilee Campus which is also part of Nottingham University, where he undertook work experience with the research team.  After he’d finished his experience we asked him how he got on during the time he spent with the team.

How did you come to have your work experience at the University of Nottingham?

I came to Nottingham University because I wanted to see the variety of choices and skills they offered. In fact, when I contacted the research team (who I already knew because I’d volunteered to help them with Tourette Syndrome in the past), they allowed me to have a week experience for which I’m grateful.

Were you involved in research there already?

Yes, I’ve done many exercises and relaxations on TS to help young students who were studying the effects it caused. Also, I’ve done a few MRI scans which enabled the researches to have a closer and more detailed look at my brain.

Were you in a particular team or department?

I was involved in the department of Psychology where I helped Jane Fowlie, Dr Ruth Wadman, Amelia Draper and other research students. However, that did involve moving to the Institute of Mental Health, where the MRI scans were being held, it was extremely interesting and fascinating to take part in the research. I would be happy to do it again.

Why did you want a work experience placement with this team or department?

Since I have been helping the research teams with their study for TS, I wanted to see the other side of their job, which in fact, was quite interesting on the other studies and opportunities they create.

What did you hope to achieve from this work experience placement?

This work experience has given me a variety of skills during my time. It has been extraordinary, fun and most of all fascinating. I had hoped to achieve knowledge from the work experience and I certainly gained that. This new knowledge will allow me to have a clear path on the career I choose in the future.

Can you give us an idea of the kind of the things you did – any duties or things you were asked to do?

The things and duties that I participated in were always interesting! I did research activities (games/ simulations), learned about new research studies i.e. self-harm, learned about the conducting research and learned in more detail on how Tourette Syndrome occurs with the human brain with Prof. Georgina Jackson & Dr Elena Nixon. However, there is so much to talk about as it has been a great journey!

What do you feel you gained from the experience?

Throughout, this experience it has given me many skills. Firstly, timekeeping because it enabled me to be in the area which I was supposed to be in, in the morning which meant I was early every day. (However, it was worth it!). Secondly, confidence and  communication skills because meeting new people has boosted my confidence in having a conversation with people about what their job is. Plus everyone was friendly meaning the environment was great!  Also, there are plenty more skills which I can say, however; the main ones would be, new knowledge and the outside world, which has enabled me to be more confident about myself.

Any parts you found difficult?

The journey and getting up early. 6am starts and finishing between 5 pm or 6pm. However, it was probably not a brilliant idea for me to get up early as it started at 8:30am, but I was keen to start the day and discover new skills. I was tired at the end of the week but it was worth it!

Would you have any advice for anyone about to go on work experience?

The advice I would give is, just be yourself and look smart as this creates a good impression about you and what you are like. Also, don’t be afraid to ask any questions. As I asked a lot of questions, it also meant that I learned a lot which previously I didn’t know about.

What are your future career plans/goals?  

Before I went to work experience I wanted to go to University. But now I feel like I want to do an apprenticeship. Even though Nottingham University offers science based studies, I would prefer to do an apprenticeship in a lab on the same type of research, but maybe to a different disorder. Perhaps help with TS. However, I’m still not sure yet because I’m currently more concentrated on finishing my A-levels first. But, nevertheless, this work experience has given me options to all sorts of choices. Therefore, I appreciate the experience and I advise anyone who was unsure beforehand (like me) to go on any work experience offered to them.

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