One of the most exciting is the growth of the Ambassador of the Year Awards: so much effort has gone into creating a detailed selection and interview process, and our cohort of nominees this year was arguably the strongest yet.
The work we have done with the Not Just Lab Coats (NJLC) team – particularly content generation – has also had a terrific impact. We’ve created a series of great videos and articles for a number of channels, all of which has helped expand its reach and share stories of people working across the science industry.
Over the next 12 months, I’m looking forward to delivering one of our key workstream projects which explores sustainability and carbon reporting. These resources will introduce students to roles in the sustainability space, as well as exploring reporting requirements for certain companies. It also teaches them how to calculate the emissions associated with a specific process and how an employer can reduce them.
From a personal perspective, the taskforce has given me so many opportunities to develop my ‘soft’ skills: leading the taskforce and its workstreams has allowed me to hone decision-making and strategy skills, as well as setting targets and readjusting plans based on unexpected challenges.
I ‘ve also been able to develop my creativity, not only in the design or marketing of our content but also from a science-based approach of how to explain and formulate a project in a fun but informative way. I ‘ve also been able to learn so many useful things about my sector, such as new and emerging roles and degrees, as well as sustainable technology innovations.
The networking opportunities and mentoring have also been so valuable and I have definitely grown in confidence through the development SIP has offered. In recent years I’ve made the transition from a member of the taskforce to workstream lead to becoming taskforce chair earlier this year.
Being involved in SIP means access to some amazing outreach content, training and guidance for many employees. But engaging with the taskforce also means a company can give some early career professionals an opportunity, likely not available in their current role: to work with some amazing people across the sector and develop organisational, creativity and presenting skills.
Anyone working in the industry with a passion for attracting new talent should consider becoming involved with the Taskforce – the rewards for themselves, their employer and the wider industry are clear to see!
