Undergraduate students in the University of Alberta's Department of Chemistry are getting a glimpse at life in the professional world. Photo credit: John Ulan
For many bachelor of science students, securing a job before graduation is a dream come true. Thanks to two innovative University of Alberta faculty members, this dream is getting closer to reality for students in the Department of Chemistry.
Enter Introduction to Industrial Chemistry, or CHEM 300. This course focuses on professional development and showing students the various parts of being an industrial chemist, from a day in the life to how to land an industrial job.
"As an instructor, preparing our students for life outside the University is my ultimate goal." -Mike Serpe
Innovative instructors
Originally the brainchild of Charles Lucy, professor and perennial favourite with students, the course includes mock interviews with real industry partners like Gilead Sciences Inc.
"It's the perfect way to give students first-hand experience in the interview setting," explains Mike Serpe, associate professor and instructor in CHEM 300. "This exposure opens the student's eyes to the vast applications of what they are learning in the classroom. By combining this experience with research, students can make more informed decisions on what they want to do as a career."
And best of all? Each year, a handful of students are offered formal interviews and eventually jobs with industry partners like Gilead.
Landing a job in the field
Gilead spokesperson and talent acquisition specialist Matthew Verwey explains that the mock-interview process is a mutually beneficial experience for the student and employer.
"Any organization's most valuable asset is its people, so the value of this opportunity cannot be understated," says Verwey. "Five current Gilead employees were first noticed through this on-campus interview series approximately a year ago. Their careers are stable, flourishing, and they continue to develop as chemists and professionals every day."
Even for students who don't participate in the more formal interviews, the experience of meeting with real recruiters and developing interview skills is invaluable.
"Their familiarity and skill in the interviewing domain can literally mean the difference between employment and unemployment," says Verwey.
"As an instructor, preparing our students for life outside the University is my ultimate goal," says Serpe. "Whether they pursue academia, industry, or even entrepreneurship, courses like CHEM 300 help to set them up for success."