Liz Blackshaw

Job title and description:

As the Aimhigher Regional Coordinator, I coordinate a national chemistry project for the East Midlands region. I help to bring academics, chemistry graduates and school or college students together with the aim of inspiring students to go on to take a chemical science degree.

What are your academic qualifications?

BSc in Education from Exeter University (St Luke's college).

What are your main duties of work?

I spend much of my time organising events, contacting schools and teachers, booking venues and transport etc. As part of this I try to coordinate with other chemistry related programmes in the region so that we don't replicate what is already happening. Sometimes I go out to give presentations to publicise our work.

What are your favourite aspects of the job?

I enjoy travelling to different meetings and looking around other institutions. I find working with a wide variety of people very stimulating, however the most rewarding aspect is feedback from teachers, academics and particularly students at the end of an event.

What kind of salary can a graduate expect to earn in this job after 5 years?

£29,000 per year.

How has your degree helped you?

Without my degree I couldn't have done any of the jobs I have held in the last twelve years. I've had a fantastic time, made some great friends and been to countries I never dreamed I would visit.

Any further information?

My career has been quite varied, I've worked as a private tutor and spent ten years as a science teacher. My last job before this one was as a product manager for a major education catalogue company. I had a great time travelling around the country, sometimes even the world.