My original career choice as “a cartoonist”  didn’t work out and I was left looking for a career that would interest me. I applied for a job as a laboratory assistant never expecting to get an interview or a job offer. My career in chemistry was born and I never looked back.
 
Due to my lack of academic chemistry qualifications I embarked on a study path that included A/S level, HND and a chemistry degree, the latter of which was sponsored by Affinity Water. Full time working and part time study was really challenging but my hard work was rewarded by graduating with a first class honours degree.
 
It was at this point I joined the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) as an associate member , through the University; but for a number of years all this meant was that I paid my subscription, received the monthly magazine and was allowed to use the designation AMRSC and in time MRSC. In the early days of my career the RSC and associated designations were not well known or even mentioned by my employer.
 
After reading an article in RSC News about the Corporate Partnership Programme I saw this as an ideal opportunity to increase my employer’s awareness and to become personally involved in promoting the RSC amongst workplace colleagues. I organised the initial meetings from which my employer gained partnership status and I became a workplace RSC representative. This gave me the opportunity to organise an RSC open day that enabled RSC representatives to meet and talk to staff about the RSC membership categories and the benefits associated with membership. The open day was extremely successful and beneficial for both parties with many staff applying for the various membership opportunities.
 
This experience inspired me to work towards my own chartered status in order to demonstrate my own continued professional development within industry. Due to my qualifications and number of years experience I was eligible to apply for the direct award of Chartered Chemist. The process was clear and much of the information required in demonstrating the 12 attributes had already been captured by our in-house CPD requirements. I began to put together my portfolio of evidence under guidance from my workplace mentor. The most difficult part of the process was assigning my existing CPD records to the appropriate attribute. The RSC membership team also provided valuable guidance and support throughout the process.
 
The portfolio was submitted, passed to the assessment panel and chartered status was granted. Why hadn’t I done this sooner? All it took was a gentle nudge and a little effort and commitment on my part. This award recognises my level of competence and demonstrates that I am working to a high professional standard which is important to me and my employer.  I now have the opportunity to be able to guide and mentor others and to encourage them on the path from RSciTech and RSci through to CChem.