Rupo Mapanga- 2nd year Chemistry Student at Loughborough University

Rupo Mapanga

Chemistry

Placement (10 Months+)

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Why did you choose to work at STFC?

I chose my job because it was a diversion from the expected route of a chemistry degree, which is going into labs or pharmaceuticals. Plus I think communicating science in a way that it becomes available to everyone whether as an influence to pursue it in higher education or just to spar curiosity in how the world works.

What are your responsibilities?

I wear a lot of hats in my jobs so it is hard to narrow my responsibilities because one day I am editing videos and other days I’m making posters or interacting with children. But my main ‘responsibility’ so to speak is showing people science is for everyone.

What is the best thing about being based at your location?

The best thing about being based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory on the Harwell Campus is that everything is here. At first the sheer size of the site is daunting but as you get used to it, you get to see all the things that are on from going to the park and playing yoga, the science talks, to learning an instrument (which I am currently doing) in the recreation society.

What makes STFC a great place to work?

To be cheesy, I think the people make STFC the best place to work, because they only want to help boost your confidence and your achievements so that you can get to the career that you want. Plus there are so many other placement students here, you feel comfortable to share any issues that you have because chances are they are all feeling the same way.