I have worked as a laboratory technician for two years and in 2015 I got promoted to a regulatory manager.
As a regulatory manager I work very closely with development chemists who create cosmetic formulas to make sure finished formulations are safe to use on skin.
There are strict regulations which cosmetic products need to adhere to if it is made available on the market. My role is to ensure that brands which we work with, and their products, comply with all these requirements.
Read more: How I became a cosmetic scientist and technical director
What led you to a career in cosmetic science?
To be fair, it was pure coincidence. After university I was not really sure what I wanted to do. I got a temporary job at Orean which I found fascinating. Orean was happy to invest in me and develop my skills.
I started working as a laboratory technician in 2013 helping with paperwork and answering customers’ technical queries, slowly taking on compliance duties. I was promoted to regulatory manager in 2015 and I now manage two people in my team.
What did you do at college and university?
I did my A levels in maths, chemistry and further maths. Then I studied electronics with music technology at University of York and graduated with upper second-class degree in BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering.
I enjoyed maths and science at school. Therefore my A-levels were strictly focused on those subjects.
I never had a clear idea of what I wanted to do as a career and I was not really sure what careers there were available after studying these.
What would you say to someone who is interested in science but doesn’t know where to go with it?
Talk to your parents, your teachers and get involved in school science activities.
Your teachers might know about out of school events which you can get involved in, meet new people and broaden your horizons.