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I joined the RSC in January as a Publishing Graduate, the time is flying by and so far I’m enjoying everything. I am now fully trained in proofreading, editing and issue make-up, and I hope to start my peer review training soon.

So far I’ve particularly enjoyed editing, as it’s fascinating to read such a variety of authors’ work before it’s even been published, as well as being a great chance to satisfy the grammar nerd in me! It’s exciting working in a place where things are constantly changing. For example, our team has been given responsibility for the recently launched journal Biomaterials Science, and I’m enjoying seeing the new submissions that are coming in, as well as looking forward to its first ever issue.

I came to the RSC after graduating from Cambridge University with a Masters in Natural Sciences (Chemistry). I wanted to make use of my chemistry degree, whilst learning some new skills and not having to spend time in the lab! The job has been a steep learning curve, especially as many of the papers I’ve seen are very far removed from my specialist areas – but it’s been good to branch out, and much easier than I anticipated to pick up the language used in different branches of chemistry.

Outside of the working day, I’ve found time to have plenty of fun. I play squash regularly, through the RSC squash ladder, and I’ve taken part in various activities organised by the RSC Sports and Social Club. For example, last week I took part in a treasure hunt in the town centre. It was great fun and an opportunity to get to know people, as well as discover parts of Cambridge I had never been!

I’m now looking forward to the next part of my training, in peer review, and hoping to keep enjoying it and learning lots more.

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Elisabeth Ratcliffe is a Graduate working in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Publishing Department. To see if there are any current vacancies go to 'RSC: Latest Vacancies' Blog or subscribe to 'RSC: Latest Vacancies' by Email.