I’ve always been interested in how science can benefit the world, but my chemistry degree was really what made this flourish. From studying spider-silk-producing-goats to investigating how cerium oxide can be used to create hydrogen fuel from water, my time at Bath really nurtured my interests.
When I graduated in 2014, I originally planned to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales. However, sales experience is needed for the majority of jobs, so I joined a London-based tech start-up in a business development role. This role enabled me to really build my skills, and during my time there I became an advocate for the software industry (SaaS).
After a few years gaining experience, I started looking for a position that combined my passion for working with people, the life sciences and SaaS. I joined PatSnap as an Account Manager in Life Sciences, a role that brings together all of these things.
PatSnap develops Connected Innovative Intelligence software. I work within the Life Science sector and I am the main point of contact for more than 80 life sciences companies in Europe. The main focus of my role is to ensure our clients – R&D Directors, Patent Attorneys, CSOs, etc – are gaining value from our software and services. I spend a lot of my time working with clients to understand R&D and Intellectual Property strategies so I can consult with them about how our platform can help them achieve their objectives. A typical working day consists of spending three to four hours speaking with clients, as well as account research, preparation, and follow-ups.
My job is hugely varied and unique. Over the course of a day, I could be in Oxford meeting the head of R&D from a company manufacturing the COVID-19 vaccine, then later that day I could be on a zoom call with a patent attorney in Germany. Keeping on top of the technological nuances with all my clients is definitely the most challenging aspect of the role, however, this is also what makes it such an interesting and enjoyable role.
A degree in Chemistry can help you move into a huge number of careers – it has without doubt contributed to my career successes so far. If, like me at 18, you have a zest for science but you’re worried about narrowing your options, a degree in chemistry will not only provide you with a wide range of skills, but it will also open so many doors for you in the future.
I believe the environment at Bath facilitated my development as an individual – the experiences I had there and the friendships I made shaped me as a person and I value them to this day.
