I’ve spent the last year of my life up in Hull, working full time in a busy microbiology lab

During my third year of studies, I realised that while I had plenty of academic experience, I hadn’t explored the industrial side of Biotech at all.

I therefore decided to look into a year in industry that would work with my course to gain insight into what life is like working in industry before graduating and committing to a career path.

After searching for placements online and using the university careers service, I found a placement I liked the sound of: R&D Microbiology YII Student at RB, a world leading FMCG company.

Most of my time at work is spent testing products that are in the development pipeline and not yet on the market – this means I have worked on a large range of products from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics, giving me a wide breadth of knowledge across the industry.

Ocean Clarke

BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology with a Year in Industry

This has meant I’ve spent the last year of my life up in Hull, working full time in a busy microbiology lab.

Most of my time at work is spent testing products that are in the development pipeline and not yet on the market – this means I have worked on a large range of products from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics, giving me a wide breadth of knowledge across the industry.

As well as working in the lab, I’ve been able to take part in other projects across the business including planning events and helping to raise money for our site charity.

Though I have not chosen to stay in the industrial sector, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my year at RB

Ocean Clarke

BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology with a Year in Industry

After graduation I’ll be continuing with my studies, having been offered a PhD in Microbiology at the University of Bath which I start in September.

Though I have not chosen to stay in the industrial sector, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my year at RB and would recommend a year in industry to anyone who is unsure of which career path they want to go down.

This year has proved both enjoyable and useful in that it helped me to develop skills I would not have necessarily worked on while at university and decide on the right career path for me.