How a successful placement can lead to career - BSc Chemistry graduate Harriet's story
Harriet completed her Chemistry degree at the University of Chester in 2024, find out what she's done since then
My name is Harriet Jones, I studied the BSc Hons in Chemistry at University of Chester, and I graduated in 2024.
What is Harriet doing since completing her studies at Chester?
My current job title is Scientific Computing Graduate and I work in the Scientific Computing Department at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). STFC is one of the seven Research Councils within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Our Mission Statement is “To deliver world-leading national and international research and innovation capabilities and, through those, discover the secrets of the Universe”. So, it’s a very exciting place to work!
As a graduate in the Scientific Computing Department, I get to do four rotations over the two-year programme, meaning that I can work across multiple different scientific disciplines. I am currently on my first rotation, in the Computational Biology Theme. I’m using a computational modelling technique called Molecular Dynamics, and my job is to design a computational model of a special cell within the lung (an alveolar type 1 epithelial cell) which is involved in gas exchange. We’re looking at the ways in which pollutants from the air that we breathe can cross through this type of cell and into our blood. A typical day for me is a combination of reading journal papers, building models, and participating in our graduate training events. Sometimes I get to do outreach activities, too, which is always so rewarding.
How Harriet's time at Chester helped to get her where she is now
With the support of my amazing team at Chester, I was lucky enough to get both a Summer and an Industrial Placement at STFC SCD. At the end of my Industrial Placement I was offered the chance to interview for the Graduate Scheme – and I got accepted! I did need a minimum of a 2:1 for my final degree result, but thankfully I got the grades I needed.
Harriet’s degree experience
What made my degree special was the academic team – I learn best in smaller classes, and I loved that I could actually speak with all my lecturers. They put such care and attention into their teaching, and it really helped me to get a deep understanding of the topics. The level of pastoral care at Chester is absolutely top notch, too. The Chemistry programme has quite a diverse range of modules, and it has been very useful to have that broader-based knowledge for the work that I do now.
Harriet’s top tips to get the most of your University experience
Work experience is definitely key to employability - you won’t realise how much it matters until you graduate. I’d advise that you take full advantage of all the resources that are available to you. Chester has an excellent Work Based Learning programme for the BSc Chemistry, and an optional year in Industry, and the Careers and Employability team are always very happy to help!
Don’t listen to anyone who says first year grades don’t matter – first year is the time to try your hardest, make mistakes when it won’t affect your final grade, and learn from them, so that second year is easier! And if you want a summer placement between first and second year, employers will often ask to see your grades.
Finally, I encourage you to find out more about what it’s like to study the BSc Hons Chemistry at the University of Chester and also to explore undergraduate placements and graduate jobs at STFC – there’s a lot of wonderful opportunities available each year!
Want to find out more?
Visit our webpages to find out more about our Chemistry BSc degree, or come and have a look around our facilities and chat to staff at our next Open Day.