In fourth year, I was on industrial placement with Bayer AG CropScience in Frankfurt. During my time in Germany I worked with a small group of scientists in a research laboratory making herbicides and safeners for crops. My role involved synthesising, isolating, purifying and characterising small organic molecules.
I have always wanted to study or work abroad to experience different walks of life and culture. In Germany, I was able to do something I loved and travel through Europe at the same time.
This year was key in developing my chemistry skills because it pulled together all of my knowledge and applied it to real-life lab work.
At first it was quite daunting applying to professional jobs because I have been a student for so long, but as soon as I started getting interviews it felt really rewarding. The interviews were tough but Strathclyde gave me all the knowledge I would need to impress my interviewers.
The support from chemistry staff to apply for positions and do mock interviews was very helpful and useful. I now feel more comfortable applying to graduate jobs because I have interview experience and know how to showcase my technical, practical and transferable skills.
