Rebecca Holland graduated in 1999 with a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Bristol. Her 1998 STEP placement was with Shipley Europe Ltd, a Coventry-based chemical manufacturing company. Through her research Rebecca introduced environmentally friendly materials to the company's manufacturing systems, saving the company at least £30,000 in capital costs. Rebecca received the 1998 STEP Most Enterprising Student award in recognition of her efforts. We asked Rebecca how the experience she gained on her placement helped her on the road to success. What does your current employment consist of? Do you feel that you could perform as well in your present job if you had not had prior experience in a small company? After graduating I joined Nestlé UK's scientific and technical function. This basically involves some project and developmental work, and some technical support to the factories. There is a mixture of issues that need an instant response, and projects which I am responsible for progressing. My experience taught me a great deal about communicating effectively with many different types of people, which is essential in my job. Had I not done the placement I would also have lacked a general understanding of what is expected in the workplace, and what types of behaviour are accepted. How did your placement compare with your university experience? I learnt how to operate within the safety guidelines of an industrial laboratory, as opposed to university. In general, I learnt more chemical practical skills at university, but my ‘people’ skills were definitely improved by my placement. University prepared me well for thinking and learning, but working at Shipley Europe taught me how to focus my thinking to a business need or problem. I felt enthusiastic about my final year project at university, but I was not given a great amount of responsibility, as my work was always directed by tutors. My placement, however, gave me opportunity to take responsibility for planning my own work and deciding what was required. This increased my motivation to succeed at the project, as I felt I had ownership of it. We asked Alison Stancliffe, Technical and Development Manager, Nestlé UK what impressed her about Rebecca's work. What gave Rebecca the edge over other candidates for the job? Could you identify how their experience of working for a smaller organisation has helped your company? Rebecca exhibited confidence and good interpersonal skills. She understands that her role is part of a bigger picture, and she has made an impact very quickly. This past experience must have helped her confidence. How important is it that new graduates are able to demonstrate ‘hands on’ experience with a company before their first ‘real’ job? This is very important. New graduates need to gain the respect of their colleagues from day one. To have had experience of a job before the ‘real’ job can only be advantageous, as it boosts confidence and awareness of how to present oneself. | 
