Careers in Chemistry: Think Outside The Box

As students across the country return to school and universities, many are starting to think about their future career paths. Choosing a career is often a challenging process, something that has been amplified by COVID-19.

As a major employer in West Bromwich, Robinson Brothers are keen to demonstrate the diversity of roles available within the company. This includes careers within finance, sales, IT, research chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering.

Furthermore, there are multiple different avenues into these sectors and different ways to gain experience within the chemical industry. This includes through apprenticeships, university placements and conventional applications.

Robinson Brothers supports its employees with training and development schemes. This allows individuals to strengthen their knowledge and enhance the skills required for their career.

Profile of a Research Chemist

As a research chemist, Joe Henderson’s work involves developing chemical processes to synthesise new products for the company with the eventual goal of scaling up the processes for large-scale production. The end product could be anything from sporting goods to pharmaceutical, food and beverage or battery applications. Our market is extremely diverse but niche.

To become qualified for the position, Joe studied undergraduate Bsc Chemistry for three years and then Msc Chemistry for a year, both at the University of Nottingham 2015-2019.

On reflection on his time at Robinson Brothers thus far and advice for anyone interested in a STEM career:

‘One of the things I appreciate most about working here is how all my colleagues have been happy to help me learn the ropes during my first year, they’re all very understanding of how overwhelming it can be at the start of your career in industry. I’ve also been able to speak to people from other departments which has helped me get a lot of insight into the intricate daily running of the company.

My advice would be to focus and work hard on your science subjects. Pick a degree which you think you’ll genuinely enjoy. Once you go on to specialise in your degree, don’t neglect your knowledge in the other STEM fields; studying a STEM subject opens up a lot of opportunities for you so you never know what career path you might decide to take once you graduate. Never be afraid to think outside of the box and always ask questions!’

Click here to find out more about our current vacancies.

About Us
Robinson Brothers is a leading UK chemical manufacturer of fine chemicals and rubber accelerators. Our team of Chemists are experts in custom synthesis, contract manufacture and process optimisation. This experience has led us to become a reliable supplier to organisations; serving the Pharmaceutical, Medical Devices, Veterinary, Agrochemical and Speciality Chemical industries as well as many others. Click here to view our current vacancies.

Robinson Brothers Group acquired Endeavour Speciality Chemicals in 2008.

Robinson Brothers Limited | West Midlands | B70 0AH UK
T: +44 (0)121 553 2451
E: [email protected]

Watch our series with ITN Productions and the CIA here: ‘Thank You’ and ‘How are You?’