Degrees: MSci Chemistry and PhD Chemistry at University of Nottingham.
I was initially drawn in by Reckitt’s core values of Achievement and Ownership, as it’s a company clearly driven by success. I was also excited by the opportunity to work on real products which touch the lives of consumers like myself, coupled with the fast pace and immediate impact on offer when working in the FMCG area. I really knew I wanted to join the company at the assessment centre, where everyone’s passion and enthusiasm for consumer-led innovation was really apparent.
I’m currently working as a Clinical Study Manager in Hull, as part of the Future Leadership Programme at Reckitt, where I work on brands such as Scholl, Gaviscon and Nurofen. In this role, I am responsible for planning and overseeing cosmetic and medical device studies to support the licensing of our products and to generate impactful claims for on-pack and communication campaigns.
Reckitt’s graduate programme gives you experience across three distinct roles in R&D (for me: new product development in Scholl, clinical study management across our Health brands and maintenance and expansion of Air Wick products already on the market), offering you the chance to develop skills and knowledge at an accelerated rate and really preparing you for a leadership role in the future.
Following the Future Leadership Programme, I plan to use my experience to secure a role in Reckitt which I know I will enjoy, and will let me continue to develop and grow. Reckitt offers great opportunities for career progression, and I hope to return to the Health side of the business to begin my journey towards a management position.
The advice I’d give to students interested in a career in R&D is to get involved! Be proactive in identifying placement opportunities at university. If you’re passionate about something, join a related society or start a project to get more involved with it. It’ll open doors for you and you’ll know you spent your time well.
