Industry tours for postgraduates

Many postgraduate students do not get the opportunity to experience working in industry during their study

The first time they visit an industrial site is often at the interview, or the first day of a new job.

The RSC runs a series of UK and European Industry Study Tours for 2nd and 3rd year postgraduate students of the chemical sciences. 

The tours involve:

• site tours of the sponsoring companies
• presentations on cutting edge technologies/developments
• workshop exercises based on industrial case studies
• a prize poster presentation session of the student's work  

Only 20 students can be accommodated on the UK tours and 10 students on the European tours. Students can apply directly, or can be nominated by their Head of Department.

The tours have been a success with positive feedback from all involved and students welcome the opportunity to interact formally and informally with representatives from the companies. Previous tours have visited as wide range of companies including AstraZeneca, UCB, Unilever, BASF, Merck and Johnson Matthey.

The experience of different workplace cultures can also help students to make more informed career decisions.