My YINI Experience: Amelia

Posted on: 15 August 2025 by Richard Finch in Student experiences

BSc Chemistry student Amelia Rout has just wrapped up an exciting placement year with Bristol Myers Squibb. We caught up with her to hear the highlights and what she’s learned along the way.

As part of my degree programme, I had the opportunity to undertake a year in industry while continuing my third-year studies. I spent this placement year at Bristol Myers Squibb in Moreton, working within the Analytical Strategy and Operations department. This experience offered a valuable bridge between academic learning and its practical application in a professional environment.

My role centred around Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) analytical science, where I was involved in a diverse range of activities including stability testing, method validation and quality control testing. These responsibilities introduced me to advanced analytical techniques such as HPLC-MS and HPLC-UV, expanding my technical skill set.

A particular highlight of the year was conducting a research project focused on identifying an unknown impurity in a development sample using HPLC-MS. This project led to an exciting opportunity to present my findings at the Royal Society of Chemistry Analytical Science Network conference, a weekend-long event that not only showcased the latest advancements and ideas shaping the field but also provided a fantastic platform for networking with professionals.

Beyond the technical aspects, the placement offered valuable exposure to cross-functional collaboration. I worked closely with colleagues across departments, gaining a deeper appreciation for how interdisciplinary teams contribute to the development and delivery of pharmaceutical products. I also took part in several early career initiatives, including organising work experience weeks for students and representing BMS at careers fairs. These experiences were both rewarding and insightful!

Throughout the year, I was fortunate to receive several ASPIRE awards in recognition of my contributions, an encouraging and motivating aspect of the placement that reinforced the value of my work. Thank you to everyone at Bristol Myers Squibb, especially the Analytical Strategy and Operations team, for the support, guidance and opportunities throughout my placement year.

I would highly recommend undertaking a year in industry to any student, as it offers a valuable opportunity to explore new career paths, develop skills beyond the university laboratory, and build meaningful connections with professionals in the field. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, equipping me with both the technical and professional confidence to approach my final year of study with renewed focus and ambition.

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