Chemistry students seek inspiration for future career

A group of Chemistry students from the University of East Anglia visited Briar Chemicals to understand first-hand how chemistry is used in a working environment.

The Chemistry students, who are studying either Chemistry or Biological and Medicinal Chemistry, met with a team of Technical Specialists at Briar Chemicals to learn more about the exciting and wide-ranging careers that studying these subjects can lead to.

The visit was arranged by Dr Tharin Blumenschein, Lecturer at the UEA School of Chemistry. Dr Blumenschein visited the site in November 2015 for the Royal Society of Chemistry Top of the Bench competition, which Briar Chemicals hosts each year, and decided it would be an informative experience for the undergraduates. Tharin said:

 This visit to Briar Chemicals provides the Chemistry students at UEA with an opportunity to see what a real working environment looks like, and help them with their choices for their future careers.

The group of nine UEA undergraduates were taken on a tour around the site, enabling them to see how the Chemistry they learn at University can be applied on an industrial scale. They were able to visit the production plants, control rooms and analytical laboratories, as well as meet with some of Briar Chemicals’ employees who hold degrees in Chemistry.

Following the tour, the students learnt about the opportunities available within a chemical manufacturing company and how a degree in Chemistry can develop transferable skills that employers are seeking. Qualifications in Chemistry and Engineering offers exciting opportunities including plant management, technical specialist and production support roles.

Briar Chemicals supports the future generation who are passionate about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Briar regularly hosts visits from local schools, colleges and the University offering advice and encouraging students to study and take up careers in science and engineering.