OXFORD

SCIENCE
SCIENCE
Rebecca Holttum
Future Leader Programme
(R&D), Unilever
St Hugh’s College,
Biochemistry, 2013
WHAT: I have now worked for Unilever
for 2 years, and the world of fast moving
consumer goods (FMCG) is quite unique.
I get to work on truly global projects for
some well-known and well-loved brands,
and I am already getting to see the impact
that my work has on the evolution of our
products and consumers. If you want an
experience like mine, and still want the
opportunity to learn, and gain real breadth
from the world of business, then you
should seriously consider FMCG.
CHOOSING A DIRECTION: Are you a
scientist and want to get out of the lab?
Are you not sure what you want to do or
whether or not you want to specialise, or
narrow down your career?
I considered exactly the same questions
when I was in my final year at St Hugh’s.
If you were to look at the type of jobs
or graduate schemes that I applied for,
you would probably conclude that I was
directionless, and open to anything and
everything. To a degree, I still am open to
anything; I’m on my 6th role since leaving
Oxford, and have had experience in
Research Formulation, Marketing,
Packaging, as well as Legislation
and Policy from my short time in the
civil service fast stream. I am starting
to realise that being a generalist
is OK, and that having a scientific
background, gives you a great
perspective in the world of business,
and even better in fast moving
consumer goods.
GETTING IN: During my assessment
centre for the Unilever Future
Leader’s Programme I wasn’t asked
a single scientific question. What
Unilever’s recruiters look for are the
soft skills, the leadership experience,
the fact that I had a scientific degree
from Oxford was the only scientific
credentials I needed. My advice,
therefore, is to remember that any
and all experience is worth pursuing
and will be valuable to you not only
during recruitment, but when you
land in your first roles too.
Marion Crawford
Research Scientist,
Oxford Nanopore
Oriel College,
Physics, 2007
WHAT: The great benefit of a career
in science is that you have the
chance to work on some really cool
projects - there are so many wacky
and amazing new technologies. I work
as a research scientist developing a
cutting-edge new DNA sequencing
technology; our technique reads an
individual strand of DNA by feeding
it through a nanometre-scale hole.
Our instrument aims to bring fast,
cheap, high-quality DNA sequencing to
geneticists and clinicians, and the whole
thing is only the size of a USB stick!
WHY: I’d really recommend working in
science, as you get to use your brain
creatively, tackle interesting problems,
and work with enthusiastic people.
There are many difference roles out
there - you don’t have to be stuck
at a lab bench! Nor do you have to
go down the academic route - I love
working in industry as I get to see my
experiments applied to real world issues
and developed into a product to drive a
business.
I came into nano-biology somewhat by
accident after doing my Physics degree;
it’s a bit of a change of field but I think
it shows that a science degree gives
you a fantastic grounding for many
careers. I wanted to improve my
practical skills but I have now also
gained experience in both science
and business. I’ve even been involved
in recruiting new graduate staff, so I
know what it’s like to be on the other
side of the interview room!
ADVICE: Don’t be afraid to apply for
jobs in different areas as lots of the
skills are transferable or learnt on
the job.
Try to get some relevant experience
eg, a lab project or a summer
placement, and read up on the
company/institution you are
applying for.
TOP TIP: Be enthusiastic and
communicate well - the next
mind-boggling discovery or worldchanging
technology springs from
curiosity and innovation.
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