Kirsty Staples

Name

Kirsty Staples

Job Title

Environmental Engineer

Company

Dow Corning Ltd.

Kirsty Staples is an Environmental Engineer for Dow Corning Ltd and has been with the company for 2 years. We asked Kirsty a range of questions to find out what she liked at school, her career path so far and what advice she would give to anyone making decisions about their careers. Here's what she said.

What is your educational background?

I did 10 GCSEs at school and then went to a Technology College to do my 3 A-Levels in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. For Higher Education I did an MEng degree in Biochemical Engineering and am now doing an MSc in Environmental Management.

What subjects did you like at school?

I always loved Science, particularly Chemistry, and even enjoyed doing work in my own time on this!

Who influenced your decision making?

My Science teacher when I was 12 really spurred my passion for the Sciences, but it was a careers advisor at school that told me about Chemical Engineering as it was something I had never heard of before.

What has been your career path so far?

I worked for Dow Corning during my placement year from University and came back two years ago as an Environmental Professional. I was then promoted to Environmental Engineer last year and now specialise in Waste Management and Environmental Training.

What would a typical day contain for you?

I will mainly be found sitting at my computer compiling reports for the Corporation or the Environment Agency on our waste or out and about sampling and doing audits.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the challenge of always being able to learn something new and then be able to put it into practice.

What skills are important in your job?

Communication is very important for training purposes, whether written or having to speak to varying levels of people. I also work in a small team and we have to work together effectively to keep the site running environmentally friendly.

What are your main responsibilities?

Reporting to the Environment Agency and the Corporation and training of the 600 employees on site.

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

My degree and my Masters have helped me to perform my job better by helping me to gain more knowledge of the environment.

Why did you choose a career in the industry?

I have always loved Science and Mathematics and wanted to have a career where I could do something I loved and get paid for it!

What advice would you give to someone considering their career?

Research, research, research! Always look at many alternatives as a career is for life and not just for Christmas! Do any work placements you can and speak to family and friends about their experiences in different workplaces.