Exploring the Transition to Practice: Midwifery Students Share Their Voices
- METIS Team
- Inside METIS
Starting a career in midwifery is an exciting but also challenging step.
As part of the METIS project, three focus groups were conducted with final-year midwifery students from Artevelde University of Applied Sciences (Belgium), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Germany), and the University of West Attica (Greece). The aim was to explore how students experience this important transition as they prepare to enter the labour market.
Reflecting on the student experience
The discussions created a safe, open environment where students could share their thoughts, concerns, and expectations. Across all three universities, engagement was high, with participants eager to reflect on their experiences and learn from one another—resulting in honest, dynamic conversations.
Students valued having their perspectives heard, noting that they rarely have opportunities to voice these experiences elsewhere.
These reflections were brought into a recent in-person METIS partner meeting, where researchers, educators, and project partners came together to reflect on what students shared—and what it means for practice.
What happens next
The interviews will be analyzed thematically and based on these findings, a digital module will be developed. It will focus on reflection on self-representation as professionals, reflecting on competencies, and also include practical skills such as CV development and interview preparation.
Looking ahead, METIS will also share open-access tools, training materials, and policy recommendations to support midwifery education and workforce development across Europe. The ultimate goal is clear: to make the transition into practice not just manageable—but sustainable, supportive, and empowering.
Why student voices matter
Listening to their voices matters. Their insights can guide educators, institutions, and policymakers in creating stronger support systems and smoother transition pathways—helping future midwives move with confidence from education into professional practice.
