Since I started on the Graduate Scheme in September 2012, I’ve spent my time working on numerous large projects simultaneously; working at the RSC is definitely an opportunity to test your time management skills! As the projects are so variable and interesting, my time in Strategic and Commercial Partnerships has flown by and I’m just nearing the end of my first rotation.
As one of the six major projects in support of the RSC’s strategic priorities, one of my favourite projects to be involved in was also the most demanding. Supporting excellence in teaching practical science and promoting chemistry to the next generation of scientists were the main aims of the project I was fortunate to be a part of. My role included ‘getting out there’ in the community, arranging external meetings and speaking to local companies, gauging the demand for commercial hire and involvement in science outreach activities. It also involved writing parts of the business plan, calculating projected activities, constructing price models, preparing presentations and posters, contacting Trusts & Foundations for potential funding and writing proposals - nearly all of which I had very little experience in before I started on the graduate scheme! Needless to say, it was an excellent project for a grad to be working on as I was given a lot of responsibility, independence and freedom to contribute my own ideas.
There are lots of rewards in working hard at the RSC, including the chance to work at high-profile events. I’m a big fan of The Apprentice, Ricky Martin and Lord Alan Sugar, so it’s no surprise that I was very excited to be a part of the launch of Hyper Recruitment Solutions (HRS) at the
Chemistry Centre in Burlington House. I’ve also had the chance to meet
Bill Bryson at the House of Commons, organise several
policy events and develop some exciting new chemistry games (out soon!), so I’m eager to see what the rest of the Graduate Scheme will bring me!
Emily James is a Graduate working on the Royal Society of Chemistry's Graduate Scheme. To see if there are any current vacancies go to RSC Latest Vacancies or subscribe to 'RSC: Latest Vacancies' by Email
