Over a month into the graduate scheme and I'm enjoying being responsible for projects at the forefront of RSC strategy.
I joined the graduate scheme at the beginning of September not as a fresh graduate but as a science teacher looking to make an impact on the wider scientific community. My first rotation was a new one for the graduate scheme and so far I’ve loved being the guinea pig. I am based within Membership in the Accreditation and Qualifications team; a team that focuses on accrediting university degrees and company training schemes in the UK and abroad, and awarding professional recognition to those working in the chemical sciences.
My current projects are related to the promotion of the new
professional registers for science technicians and the accreditation of more apprenticeship schemes. These are closely linked to one of the RSC’s strategic priorities, “To cultivate skills and knowledge in the chemical sciences”, and if there’s one thing to note about the graduate scheme it is that you are given high impact projects from day one.
With the RSC based in Cambridge and London there are plenty of opportunities to be whisked down to the capital. On day 2 I found myself in London attending a meeting with staff from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and five educational awarding bodies to discuss one of the projects I would be involved in; a daunting prospect but also an amazing opportunity to see how influential the work of the RSC can be. On day 4 I was at Burlington House in Piccadilly for our induction day: a chance to find out about the vision and aims of the RSC, the work of its different teams, and the impact it is having globally. And there are opportunities to travel further afield too; I have been all over the country visiting universities, colleges and even the company responsible for creating the fake chocolate in the film
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!
Lastly, one of the RSC’s biggest assets is the feeling of community it promotes. Staff at every level are approachable and willing to help, there is always cake to be shared, everybody is welcome to sing in the RSC choir (if that tickles your fancy) and you will often see groups of RSC employees enjoying a leisurely lunchtime stroll (or run!) around the science park.
Charlotte Still is a Graduate working in the Membership Accreditation and Qualifications team on the Royal Society of Chemistry's Graduate Scheme. To see if we are currently recruiting for the RSC graduate scheme click here.
