Tom Wells
Gender
Male
Age
22 - 30
Status
Working
Broad Subject Area/s
Physics,Chemistry,Biology,Engineering,Technology,Mathematics
Job description
Policy Advisor in Science and the Media http://www.linkedin.com/in/tompwells
Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths
Government Science Policy
Education and route to your job
GCSE Double Science and Maths, A Levels in Chemistry, Biology and Maths, then an MChem degree from York before doing a PhD at Imperial in Sustainable Chemistry. During this I was a STEM Ambassador, talking in schools about science. I was a member of the Voice of Young Science Network (once being interviewed for BBC Watch Dog!). Through this I got into science communication, and that got me my current job!
Job route: typical, unusual, or a bit of both?
Typical
Day in the Life
Basically, my job involves advising ministers on matters relating to science in the media and managing grants we provide to support science communication and public engagement with science. I work closely with organisations like the BBC, Science Media Centre and Association of British Science writers.
Happiness
7 - Awfully happy
Life outside work
Outside work I like to walk/climb, I'm trying to grow vegetables and I put my chemistry to good use brewing beer. I'm also a trustee of a small charity sending student volunteers to work with young people in sub-Saharan Africa - http://www.tenteleni.org
Work Environment
Friendly
Hardworking
Deadline-y
Mixed gender
Fun
Serious
Creative
Dynamic
Intellectual
Challenging
Rewarding
Family background
Both my parents studied science at university before training as teachers, they were very supportive. Both my brothers ended up studying drama though so we're not a completely science family.
What attracted you to your career?
I decided research wasn't for me during my PhD, or at least not for me just yet, but wanted to do something which used my training and I still love science - so this was the perfect match.
Starting salary
26K - 30K
Potential salary
91K or more
Employer
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Employer website
Does your employer support staff with further training or education?
Yes
Do you volunteer your Time?
STEMNET Ambassador
Tenteleni - not science
What type of scientist are you?
Policy maker
Advice
Don't just study science in the classroom/lecture theatre and lab. You need to get out there, talk to people, volunteer your time working in other areas, and develop a broader range of skills than fundamental study or research will give you.