On Friday 6 December, the Institute of Chemical Biology hosted their Careers Day, an event designed to showcase the breadth of career paths available.

On Friday 6 December, the Institute of Chemical Biology (ICB) hosted their Careers Day, an event designed to inspire and empower Chemistry postgraduate students by showcasing the breadth of career paths available. We had 10 speakers presenting from 11 AM to 3 PM, bringing together an impressive array of external speakers and Imperial’s own departments and organisations, all focused on equipping students with insights and opportunities for their futures.

Attendees got to hear from a variety of professionals who shared their unique career journeys; half of the speakers were alumni of the Institute of Chemical Biology, offering first-hand perspectives on transitioning from postgraduate studies to impactful roles across academia, industry, SMEs, policy and beyond.

Adding a twist to a usual poster session during lunch, our Masters' students showcased their entrepreneurial skills with elevator pitches instead! As part of their Business Catalyst Course, which students study in their first term, they pitched business ideas; ranging from hospital location equipment to inclusive crochet tools, all ideas they had been developing over the last two months. 

The Careers Day benefited from the supportive ecosystem across Imperial College London. The Head of Department, Professor Oscar Ces, gave an introduction to start off the day and representatives from the Business School and the Early Career Researcher Institute gave talks and were on hand to provide advice and resources. We were also delighted to welcome the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the UK’s professional body for the Chemical Sciences, to the event. Dr Natalie Warren-Godkin delivered information on the way the RSC supports members, delivering products and services that support their professional development.

In addition to this our other speakers were:

Dr Louise Walport, Senior Lecturer and Group Leader at the Francis Crick institute;
Dr Ben Webber-Lewis, Department of Health and Social Care;
Dr Mo Devgan, Portal Biotech;
Dr Tom Pataillot-Meakin, Clarivate;
Dr Vanessa Ho, National Heart and Lung Institute;
Dr Melis Eda Ekinci, Woost;
Ali Farzanehfar, Wilbe.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, students, and supporting organisations who contributed to making this day a success. I even heard of couple of students say the word ‘inspiring’ throughout the event which made our day too, thank you!