1) Why did you choose to work for Imperial?

As a scientist I was curious about the concept of tobacco harm reduction, so the opportunity to contribute to Imperial’s research to substantiate their potentially less harmful next generation products (NGP) greatly appealed. Also, the graduate scheme really is progressive; you’re instantly entrusted with significant responsibility and exposed to a wide range of business areas. It’s this exposure that helped me discover my real passion here; applying my scientific skillset within the field of corporate affairs.

2) What has been your career path at Imperial so far?

I joined the graduate scheme in 2014, principally sitting in the science department. After seconding to our vapour-focused subsidiary I moved to Amsterdam to help shape blu’s corporate and regulatory affairs strategy. A highlight during this exciting time was to contribute to the UK Parliament’s Science & Technology Committee’s e-cigarette inquiry. I’m now back in Bristol as Head of Scientific Affairs, leading a team tasked with creating the scientific platforms that enable us to successfully engage on NGP.

3) What do you most enjoy about working at Imperial?

The people are passionate, the culture is progressive and the business continues to evolve in an exciting way. Focusing on my current role, it’s the cut and thrust of external engagement that I particularly relish. Travelling between markets discussing our portfolio and our positions, communicating our science to fellow colleagues, engaging with regulators, public health bodies and the media … no two days (or countries!) are the same. It’s a real challenge, but hugely rewarding.

1) Why did you choose to work for Imperial?

I chose to work for Imperial because it’s a large international company, which means there are lots of opportunities to be opened up. At the stage I joined I was keen to have the chance to work in a range of business areas and at different locations across the world. The business is very open to international mobility and offers plenty of opportunities in that respect.

2) What has been your career path at Imperial so far?

I began my career at Imperial within head office finance. I was then promoted and joined the UK & Ireland cluster in my current role as financial planning & analysis manager, running a team of three. My team and I look after the financial planning and forecasting for both our tobacco and next generation products businesses. This involves working with the commercial teams across the cluster as well as other finance teams in the business.

3) What do you most enjoy about working at Imperial?

I enjoy the collaborative approach which is very much part of life at Imperial. We get involved in many cross-functional projects and workstreams; sometimes they are initiated by my team and I and for others we’re drafted in to support. It is therefore easy to build a fantastic network of people across different functions and to keep up to date with what’s going on around the business.

1) Why did you choose to work for Imperial?

As a student in Bristol, I knew I wanted to stay in the city after graduating. I had previously worked for other global organisations such as GE and Danone as an intern and enjoyed the corporate culture. This made me want to work for another company of that stature, and with Imperial’s position as a FTSE30 business, I saw a perfect match for what I was looking for in my career.

2) What has been your career path at Imperial so far?

There’s been plenty of change! I began as a finance analyst on a temporary contract, eventually securing a permanent role. I then moved into a management accounting role, with Imperial supporting me through my studies. Later came stints as finance business partner to our Irish market then in a financial planning & analysis management role, partnering with our next generation product (NGP) function. I’ve since moved out of my comfort zone in finance, working as a sales manager in our vape field force.

3) What do you most enjoy about working at Imperial?

The endless opportunities! Not only did Imperial support me through my studies I’ve also been enrolled on to schemes like the Emerging Potential Programme, which have broadened my horizons and created opportunities in surprising new directions. Growing alongside our new and evolving business areas such as NGP is allowing me to learn on the job. I’ve had great support from my colleagues, who live Imperial’s values and help make working life enjoyable and exciting.