Last December Harry Cundall, a research scientist at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, was named Not Just Lab Coats Ambassador of the Year, in recognition of everything he’s done to inspire the next generation of talent into science-based careers.
Harry’s career journey is a great example of how there are many routes into a rewarding and challenging career in science. So we spoke to him and found out more about how he got where he is today why he’s so passionate about reaching out to people of all ages with an interest in science.
How did you get started in your current field?
I had always been interested in science as a child but never really thought I could do much with it in secondary school. I had a bit of a rough time during my GCSEs and despite passing additional science with a grade C, I ended up following other interests, and this led to working as a musician and hairdresser.
After about seven years I’d matured a bit and decided that my interest in science was still there. I applied to an Access to HE course, then to a Biomedical Science course at Teesside University.
A friend had mentioned FUJIFILM Biotechnologies had job vacancies around the time we were graduating, so I applied and after a couple of interviews I got the job. I spent six months in a cross-functional department, then moved into cell line development – where I still am today.
What makes you so passionate about encouraging the next generation of talent into the science sector?
Throughout my teens and into adulthood, I always felt I wasn't good enough. I felt I had missed my opportunity to have a complete career change, that going to university at 26 was 'too old' and that I’d missed my chance and be out of touch with the newly graduated A level students.
But when I started my course, I realised that it was not the case at all and for the best part of 10 years I had been my own worst enemy. I learned it’s never too late to change your mind, that having doubts or a lack of direction is just part of life.
Shortly after I started at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, a colleague suggested I consider becoming a STEM Ambassador. I went along to an event, and it opened my eyes to the fact that I'm far from the only one in my position and that I had something to offer. This gave me this passion I still have to this day – to be a voice for those who don’t have one yet, to inspire people to enjoy the day to day, and that all things work out in the end.
What has been your proudest moment?
Going to Vienna for a week to train on new automation equipment was a real highlight, after which I came back to the UK and trained my department, sharing what I had learned.
As a STEM ambassador, I met a student on a work placement who spent a day with me in the lab. She was insanely smart, inquisitive and asked great questions – she’s perhaps the most remarkable student I’ve supported through work. Fast forward about 12 months and she was in her second year of college when a group of colleagues and I conducted mock interviews with her and her colleagues. Getting to see just how much she had learned, how much she had grown in confidence and seeing the impact we’d had was amazing.
Last year I won the NJLC Science Ambassador of the Year award and I’m amazed I was shortlisted, let alone ended up winning. I’m extremely proud of this and it gave me the chance to reflect on everything that’s happened, which I perhaps take for granted.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career in STEM?
Enjoy every second of it and ask every question your brain can come up with! You're not going to know all the answers or understand some things – and that is absolutely fine! You should enjoy the process and understand there is no such thing as failure, just a different kind of lesson.
Finally, don't let anyone persuade you otherwise that you don't belong in this industry, because you absolutely do
How do you think employers can keep talent in the industry in the long-term?
My view is employers and schools/universities need to collaborate more. There's a huge disconnection between what we're taught at school and what our industry actually does. I've heard time and time again from students that they don't understand how their studies correlate to the industry.
What’s more, companies should continuously seek to promote individuality and safe places for inclusion of all. Equally, apprenticeships are a thing of beauty and open the door to so many people beyond those who come through the ‘traditional’ academic routes. I’d also encourage curiosity and supporting their staff in what they're good at and passionate about. After all, we don't stop growing when we're promoted or reach a senior level and there's always something to learn.
