Mike Pitts

Name

Mike Pitts

Job Title

R and D Project Leader

Company

Reaxa Ltd.

Mike Pitts is R & D Project Leader for Reaxa Ltd and has been with the company for 1-and-a-half years.

We asked Mike a range of questions to find out what he liked at school, his career path so far and what advice he would give to anyone making decisions about their careers. Here's what he said.

What is your educational background?

I did 9 GCSEs including separate sciences Chemistry and Physics then did Chemistry, Physics and Maths at A Level. I did a BSc in Chemistry at Loughborough University which included a year in industry working at a pharmaceutical company. I then did a PhD in Organic Chemistry at Exeter University before spending two years in Vienna completing a postdoctoral stay working on anti-cancer compounds.

What subjects did you like at school?

I loved chemistry from the start and it made sense. I didn't really enjoy maths and physics but studied them to help chemistry. Maths becomes easier when you can apply it to solving chemistry problems and it stops being abstract concepts.

Who influenced your decision making?

I was always quick to ask advice off everyone I met. My chemistry teacher was fantastic but knew little about potential careers. My tutors at university were good, but I learnt most about future jobs on my industrial year during my degree. It was then I decided to do a PhD.

What has been your career path so far?

I started out wanted to do bench chemistry, solving synthesis problems. It is a very creative way to do science. I was soon promoted to a Team Leader and have gone from there to run major projects. I now do more marketing work and have responsibility for product lines.

What would a typical day contain for you?

Typical! No such thing. Some days are spent in the lab working on several projects, others can be filled with meetings or at the computer writing papers and presentations or calling customers. I also do a lot of travel (mostly international) seeing clients and collaborators as well as presenting at conferences. It is the variation that makes it interesting.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Aside from the variety there is a large degree of freedom in what I do as well as responsibility. I'm not following a list of tasks or procedures; I'm having to think all the time. A laboratory is also a very social place and I enjoy working with motivated and highly skilled colleagues.

What skills are important in your job?

It is important to be organised and analytical in your approach to managing projects. Laboratory skills are needed as well as an ability to critically assess the work from business as well as scientific aspects. Strong communication skills are a must for presentations and customer work.

What are your main responsibilities?

I am responsible for managing the development of several products used by the pharmaceutical industry to develop and manufacture drugs. This involves working on new products as well as applications for existing ones. The results from this work then require presentation to customers for them to understand the benefits. As part of this I oversee the work and professional development of some colleagues.

What training (on & off the job) has helped you perform your role or progress?

I have received some management training as well as sales related skills development. I am active in a professional society and have gained experience through this relevant to my career.

Why did you choose a career in the industry?

To work with cutting edge science to make a difference to society.

What advice would you give to someone considering their career?

Take time to consider every opportunity fully. Don't worry about your first job it doesn't have to be your dream position - jobs are like relationships, you often have to try a few to find the one you like. Ask advice from a wide a variety of people as possible - you probably haven't heard about the job you are best suited to yet.