I have always felt that becoming ‘chartered’ in any profession is an important step. It means you are recognised as an experienced, diligent professional by a trusted body. The process differs across sectors, but is always thorough, measureable and meaningful.
So, ~3 years ago when I decided to leave my job as a pharmaceutical chemist and move into a desk-based job in the city, I wondered whether any opportunity to become a CChem had disappeared along with my fumehood. Although I was still involved with chemistry, my role had become much broader with involvement in marketing, finance and various other projects. So, in 2010 I decided to find out. I made a couple of calls to the RSC and spoke with Kim Smith and Sarah Harrison who were able to offer excellent advice. Firstly, as I had graduated as a chemist 10 years ago (and had been working in the field ever since) I may be eligible to apply to the ‘Direct Programme’ which meant that a two year PDP process was not necessary. As long as I was able to build a ‘portfolio of evidence’ demonstrating the twelve professional attributes required for the CChem award from my recent experience, the Direct Programme was feasible for me.
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