Ever wanted to know what we get up to on the RSC graduate scheme? In this blog, members of our graduate scheme describe some of the interesting (or unusual!) activities and projects they are working on, as well as what it is like to work in a variety of departments across the RSC.

Find out more about the RSC Graduate Scheme here
 

Flo - Education


I’m already two months in to my first rotation on the grad scheme and I can’t believe how quickly it’s gone. Before I got here I was doing an MSc in Oceanography at the University of Southampton (no, I’m not strictly a chemist). After handing in my dissertation I only had a weekend to move my life up to Cambridge!

I was really excited when I found out my first placement would be in the Education team, and it hasn’t disappointed. I’ve been able to get involved in lots of different projects which was daunting at first, but it makes every day different! I’ve particularly enjoyed working on our online CPD courses for teachers. I am responsible for uploading the multimedia resources, and submitting the courses for internal approval. I am also looking at how we can help chemistry teachers to integrate careers guidance into their lessons, by reorganising some of the information that is on our websites, Learn Chemistry and a Future in Chemistry. I’ve also had the chance to embrace my creative side by creating some new quizzes for ChemNet, our student network for 14-18 year olds.

Outside of my placement, I jumped at the chance to help out at a recent public lecture at Burlington House, where Dr Helen Findlay from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory was talking about ocean acidification. I got to meet some of our members and chat about an important topic that I’m really passionate about (you can watch the talk here). As you can see from the picture, we were quite excited to visit the BH library for the first time!

The grads are always kept busy at the RSC. As Ellie said in the previous blog post, it’s the time of the year where we go on numerous university visits to talk to new and current members about what the RSC can offer them. Not only is this great experience of organising, presenting and talking to people, it’s fun and takes you all over the UK. On my second day, James and I travelled all the way to the University of Plymouth! I’ve also enjoyed writing profiles for the 175 Faces of Chemistry project – I loved English at school and I’m so pleased to have lots of opportunities to write. Next up is an article for Chemistry World magazine (watch this space).

I’m also the newest recruit to the RSC running club, which is helping with my motivation now the winter evenings are upon us. We have signed up for the Manchester Marathon in April (eek) and I am looking forward to some long training runs after work. I’ve also joined the Cambridge Triathlon Club, and Joanna and I have been enjoying some very scenic, very flat bike rides! 


 
Florence is a Graduate currently working in the Education Team on the Royal Society of Chemistry's Graduate Scheme. To see if we are currently recruiting for the RSC Graduate Scheme click here
 
Posted by Florence Greatrix on Nov 17, 2015 2:21 PM Europe/London

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