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MChem student Amelia Rout recently completed a placement year at Bristol Myers Squibb as part of her ‘Chemistry with Research in Industry’ programme. In the piece below, she shares her experiences—from lab work and cross-team collaboration to presenting at a national conference.
As part of my MChem degree programme ‘Chemistry with Research in Industry’, 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.
Quotes from colleagues
‘Over the past year, it has been a pleasure to watch Amelia develop as an analytical chemist. She’s keen to learn and get involved with the day to day running of the department and has contributed to a variety of pieces of work. She embraces challenges and is always up for something new. I started my career with my student placement as part of my BSc and would highly recommend it to others. 10 years later, I’m still working in the pharmaceutical industry! I love that my job has a purpose, the fact that what I do impacts the lives of patients is something that really resonates with me. The work we do is varied, interesting and very collaborative between all departments on site.’
-Stephanie Fox
‘Amelia has been an outstanding colleague, bringing passion and enthusiasm to everything she does. Working with her has been a real pleasure; her positivity is infectious, and she always knows how to brighten up even the busiest days. The team just won’t be the same without her, and she’ll be truly missed by all of us.’
-Olivia Harding
