Professional Connect: Science Q&A – 8 May 2014
Written by student writer, Danny Ranson
Chair:
Janice Simpson: Senior Careers Advisor, University of York
Panellists:
Dean Cook: Head of Science Strategy, FERA
Tom Pagett: Biodiversity Officer, Environment Agency
Neil Powell: AED Associate, Cold & Flu, Reckitt Benckiser
Emma Ramsey: Products Research Scientist, Procter & Gamble
Dr Tomas Stanton: Senior Scientific Officer, Home Office
Dr Fiona Taylor: Feedstock Development Unit Technologist, Biorenewables Development Centre
(BDC)
Panel Q & A:
1. How did you begin your careers?
Most of the panel members graduated in a science subject. Some then went on to join companies
where they had previously done work experience, either as a graduate or during a year in industry as
part of the degree, others gained their first jobs as a result of applying to temporary or permanent
roles. Dean Cook (FERA) was an exception, having begun his career after A-levels and working up
from a basic position, only going to university some years later.
2. What is the work culture like within your organisations?
The panel generally agreed that the work culture for a scientific professional is fairly relaxed; casual
clothing including jeans and trainers is often acceptable, along with flexible hours, provided that the
work gets done. Emma Ramsey (Procter & Gamble) generally works eight hours between 7.30 and
21.30, and can choose when those eight hours fall. For some members of the panel work hours are
slightly more regimented, but finishing early on a Friday, for example, is quite normal. Dr Tomas
Stanton (Home Office) added that for those in the Civil Service, based in London, more formal
clothing and hours are likely to be the norm. Dean (FERA) warned that because mobile phones and
computers now allow constant communication, he and some of his colleagues can find it difficult to
switch off from work beyond the regular working day.
3. In each of your roles, what percentage of time do you spend actually ‘doing science’?
The great variety of responses this time illustrates the wide potential of careers in science. Neil
Powell (Reckitt Benckiser) stood out as he spends a lot of time working to improve analytical
instrumentation, but the more common response from the panel was that actual science or lab work
was only part of their job, though more common upon first joining a company (some of the
members of the panel try to create opportunities to work in the lab as they miss it!). Emma’s
(Procter & Gamble) work emphasises the consumer of the product as much as, or more than, the
product itself, while Dean (FERA), Tom Pagett (Environment Agency) and Dr Stanton (Home Office)
are occupied more with management than research. Dr Fiona Taylor (BDC) said her work was a 50-
50 mix but emphasis was on the managerial side as her career progressed. However, it was clear
that in general there is flexibility within and across work roles and students need to consider this
when choosing career paths.
4. How important is a placement year as opposed to a straightforward degree?
There was a unifying response that a degree on its own is insufficient to begin a successful career in
science. However, it was emphasised by some panel members, especially Dean (FERA) and Emma
(Procter & Gamble), that it is possible to be imaginative in developing vital extra experience outside
of a placement year. Transferable skills such as leadership are important - these may have been
developed in a context quite different from the work of a science professional but are often still
valid. Work experience is perhaps the most useful means to develop such skills, but the panel agreed
that even this need not be in a science role.
However, Neil (Reckitt Benckiser) and Emma (Procter & Gamble) were both offered jobs with the
company where they did a year in industry, while Dr Taylor (BDC) found her placement at an
agricultural institute very useful. It was generally agreed that gaining knowledge specific to a
company is very desirable, whether that be through a placement or through general work
experience. Indeed, such experience may override a degree, as in the case of Dean (FERA) who
developed his career immediately after A-levels.
5. How can I get work experience which could help me to get an industrial placement?
It was agreed that most science - specific work experience with larger companies is reserved for
penultimate year students. Responses drew heavily on those to the previous question; students
should widen their perception of what counts as experience and consider volunteering or part-time
work as well as a formal industrial placement. Emma (Procter & Gamble) summed up the thoughts
of the panel in saying that if work experience is not freely available, you should look to gain life
experience instead. Tom (Environment Agency) added that it is generally easier to contact and
arrange work experience with smaller organisations, unlike the Civil Service whose bureaucracy
tends to impede such communication.
Although there is no clear consensus, the importance of eventually getting specific work experience
was emphasised this time by Peter Chapman (Director of Regulatory Affairs, JSC International), a
networker, who said that a placement is vital for getting into a good science career.
6. Is it possible to go into a science career as a non-science graduate, and if so, how?
This question revealed the variety of entry routes into the science professions, touching on how to
maximise your chances. The answer to the question was a resounding yes. Emma (Procter &
Gamble) stressed the importance of transferable skills over subject-specific knowledge, adding that
her work only requires her to have quite basic scientific knowledge. Furthermore, Dean (FERA)
stressed that it is becoming increasingly important to combine science with other disciplines,
especially social sciences – adding that he began his career with only A-levels in History, Geography
and Business studies. At this point, networker Zoe Pattison (Flood Risk Management Officer,
Environment Agency) added that communication and interpersonal skills are highly valued, which
scientists sometimes struggle to demonstrate. Communications and marketing roles in scientific
organisations were often those which non-scientists could access, particularly if they could show
interest in scientific issues through volunteering or work experience. Dr Stanton (Home Office)
pointed out that many scientific roles will require a science degree because of their specialist nature.
Masters study was suggested as a means of standing out from the crowd, regardless of
undergraduate degree, with a PhD giving you an even greater chance of entering a science job at a
high level.
7. How much freedom do you have to choose your research/tasks?
While answers varied, the general response was that panel members have a good level of flexibility
in their work. Neil’s (Reckitt & Benckiser) work falls in the later stages of a project, so although he
might choose how to complete it, he does not choose the project itself. Tom Pagett (Environment
Agency) and Dr Stanton (Home Office), both of whom work for the Civil Service, agreed that the
important thing is to get a foot in the door; once inside the organisation there is more flexibility and
a wider range of opportunities than are made available externally. Dr Stanton also mentioned an
innovation fund which can offer up to around £5000 for worthwhile projects, and Dean (FERA)
stressed the importance of being able to sell yourself and your idea in order to make the most of
such opportunities.
8. At what point did you know what career you wanted to do?
The consensus from the panel was that it is not necessary to have a fixed career plan from the
outset, but rather to keep an open mind and learn as you go along. Dean (FERA) and Tom
(Environment Agency) agreed that control over your work increases as your career path progresses,
so that you should not expect it straightaway. However, as a side point Dean (FERA) added that
those looking to get into the science sector could try to predict what scientific knowledge and
priorities will be valued in five to ten years’ time, thereby preparing ahead of time, by researching
and understanding government priorities. He also emphasised that students should make the most
of social and networking opportunities – with each other as well as with professionals – as these
connections may become very valuable in the future.
9. What are your top tips for students seeking a career in science?
Emma Ramsey (Procter & Gamble): Know your skills and how to market them.
Neil Powell (Reckitt & Benckiser): Gain work experience - a year in industry if you can.
Tom Pagett (Environment Agency): Say yes: be open-minded and try out a variety of work as you
can’t always predict where you’ll end up.
Dr Tomas Stanton (Home Office): There’s no need to focus your work early. Diversify first.