Added: Over a year ago by Fujifilm
Inspired by 12 years of professional advancement at FUJIFILM Ink Solutions, what advice would Gemma Osborne give to new graduates taking their first steps in a career? Gemma’s top recommendations are to work hard, keep an open mind and have a positive attitude.
Gemma’s personal experience developing from a new graduate to Section Head within Fujifilm gives her a unique perspective on the difficulties graduates have in deciding which direction to take.
She says: “You could transition into some large companies with traditional roles, but there are other niche technologies to consider. Most likely, the experience gained in your degree can transfer to them.
“My advice is to be open to exploring different opportunities and have a great attitude. Be hard-working, and if you’re going to many interviews, show your interest in a research role by demonstrating you can conduct research.”
Gemma ruled out further study in academia when she graduated with a Marine and Freshwater Biology degree from the University of Aberystwyth over 12 years ago. She says: “You could do a further study with an academic institute but working in industry is completely different. I intended to get working and get stuck in! With a passion for research, GCSEs and A-levels in chemistry, and an interest in the experimentation and discovery process, Fujifilm felt a perfect fit.”
At Broadstairs, Fujifilm develops and manufactures inkjet, screen and flexo ink technologies. Gemma’s first role as a technician was to support formulating chemists with their projects by making ink samples and conducting experiments and analysing results. After that, she contributed to all aspects of product development.
As she became more experienced and skilled, hard work and determination became the foundation for further career advances. Fujifilm was so impressed; it funded Gemma’s studies for an MScRes in Polymer Synthesis at the University of Kent, which she did part-time while working full-time.
After graduating with her Master’s, Gemma was given increasing responsibility for projects, built on her knowledge, and led a team. As Section Head in the graphics team within R&D, she now heads product development for Fujifilm’s original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Fujifilm systems.
Gemma says: “What’s great about Fujifilm is the opportunity to be involved in many different aspects of product development. It sets the Fujifilm industrial placement apart. You get involved in all kinds of applications from formulation chemistry to fluid dynamics and using a broad range of equipment.”
With a Fujifilm industrial placement, Gemma adds that you can draw on real-life examples to show you have exhibited specific skills to recruiters. It also helps you to clarify the job you want to do.
Lastly, Gemma believes that although developing a career does not happen instantly, a positive attitude and patience are invaluable. She advises: “Develop your experience and skillset, trust that hard work does reap the rewards, and progression will come naturally as your experience grows.”
