Student Chemist Review

Working in a lab environment on corporate R&D projects. Day-day typically involves setting a reaction up in the morning, followed by work-up and purifications in the afternoon. Lab work is intermingled with data analysis, meetings, report writing and creating slides based on results.

Absolutely loads! All of the lab based hard skills such as synthesis, novel technologies, large scale synthesis, purifications, work-up etc, and learning to do these independently. Then I have learnt many transferable skills in communication, organising meetings, leading a project, working independently, report writing, presenting, outreach among others.

Yes. I was given responsibility over the project I was working on, and as long as my suggestions were reasonable for the company then I was allowed to carry them out and do this research independently. I was asked at points to synthesize large quantities of chemicals for important, expensive testing with a few weeks notice, and asked to prepare smaller quantities of high purity chemicals for important toxicology testing.

Lots, I speak to my supervisor virtually every day to discuss not only the projects and chemistry, but developing skills for my future, and suggestions on where I could improve as well as positive feedback.

Company atmosphere was great, everyone is so friendly and helpful and would answer any question that you have. The department I was in was especially friendly and positive, lead in particular by our manager.

I really enjoyed the placement, far exceeding what I thought it was going to be like. Enjoy coming into work and talking to people and doing some cool chemistry.

Yes

Show a real interest and excitement in chemistry in general - a proper excitement for chemistry will come across really well in interviews and cover letters/CVs, as everyone here really enjoys chemistry and will like seeing that in a applicant.