I Got Hired: Risk and Process Safety Scientist at the Health and Safety Executive

Posted on: 26 November 2023 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Freya Anderson is Class of 2022 BSc Chemistry graduate, now working as a Risk and Process Safety Scientist at the Health and Safety Executive.

My friend recommended the MSc in Science and Health Communications at the University of Manchester, and after my BSc in Chemistry, I applied to the course.

While studying for my Master’s degree I also worked as a Science Writer for the student newspaper; The Mancunion. I also started the student science magazine Planet Bee after the pandemic hiatus.

I took any opportunity I could to develop myself professionally in and outside of my course, including working as a TV runner for The One Show at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, securing a job post-graduation. After completing my Master’s I did a 2-week journalism internship in London at a science policy publication.

I’m now working as a Risk and Process Safety Scientist at the Health and Safety Executive, which involves investigating, analysing and reporting on well-established and developing technologies in process and scientific industries. 

My advice to current students:

1. Build up a variety of experience and skills, sadly employers increasingly need more beyond a first-class degree (and a masters!)
2. Keep applying for jobs! It’s a very disheartening process to keep getting rejected but eventually someone will give you a chance.
3. Network, network, network! Really annoying sometimes, I know, but people will back around in your life so it’s important to get contacts in different spheres of work."