A ‘versatile’ degree
Stephanie is completing her BSc Chemistry as a degree apprenticeship with the University of Greenwich, meaning she will complete her degree in five years instead of three. This is because she is working alongside her studies as an analytical development scientist at one of the largest pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisations in the world, Recipharm. Through her work, Stephanie is gaining fantastic skills, work experience and insight into her industry. Her tuition fees are covered by her employer and she is also paid a salary.
She is enjoying her course so far, which covers disciplines of chemistry that include inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Her course provides more industry-led courses such as analytical chemistry, chemometrics and instrumental analysis.
At school, she enjoyed studying the sciences, as well as Mathematics, but was drawn to Chemistry when she was in Sixth Form.
I realised I wanted to dedicate my studies to Chemistry when I realised how broad the subject is and how versatile the applications of a chemistry degree can be.
She decided to pursue a degree apprenticeship after carrying out research and seeing “how valuable having both experience and a degree is – doing an apprenticeship, I will be able to gain both.”
Encouraged from a young age
She says about being a woman in STEM, that it is “very motivating seeing the increased support for women to get into STEM subjects and then progress into more male-dominated roles in their careers, such as boards of directors.”
Stephanie feels an interest in STEM is something that should be something encouraged at an early age, which might mean more women will be inspired to pursue STEM degrees and careers in the future.
Primary schools should have more hands-on experiments or STEM event days. Being exposed to inspiring women scientists and engineers as role models at such a young age is very encouraging, and prevents stereotyping from occurring.
Role model
Stephanie is thriving in her studies. She is successfully balancing work, studies and her personal commitments, and is also achieving in her workplace, where she has been assisting in the manufacturing, development, testing and validating of drug substances. These substances are then released into market and used to treat patients.
Stephanie’s hard work has seen her be offered a permanent position with her employer upon completion of her apprenticeship, and her mentor praises her, describing her as “organised and hardworking.” She is truly on the path to becoming a role model to future generations of scientists herself.
