Bioresources Process Scientist at Severn Trent
M.Sc Biochemical Engineering, 2019
What is your current role?
I currently work as a Process Scientist. Within this role I help look after and advise sewage treatment works on things like compliance, site health, troubleshooting and optimisation; mainly on the sludge route side of the works. I also get involved in the commissioning of new and innovative assets that help improve how sites are ran.
Did you have any work experience before you graduated?
I worked in retail whilst at university. I also did a summer placement with a drinks manufacturer.
What do you love most about your role?
No two days are the same! There is always something to do and I’m constantly learning.
What is most challenging about your role?
As no two days are the same, it can be very busy. Not every solution to a problem is as straightforward as you would like it to be. So sometimes it can take days, even weeks to find out why something is happening in the way it is.
How did your time at Birmingham help you prepare for this role?
My time at Birmingham introduced me to being able to work for a water company. Whilst completing my degree, I took place in a Campus based internship for Severn Trent. I really enjoyed it and found it very interesting. So much so I applied for a job with the company when I graduated.
What advice would you give to students who are interested in getting into your industry or role, or if they’re unsure what they want to do?
Have a look a the different types of job role. There are so many different jobs in the industry, office based, field based or a mixture of both. Whilst the degree you do might not have learnt directly about the industry, a lot of the skills you learn from being taught about other industries are transferable.
What would be your key piece of career advice for a student just entering the employment market?
Be honest about what you want to get out of your career. It should be something that you enjoy and look forward to doing.