ChemSoc had an outstanding second term! The hard work of the committee paid off as they saw their speed-networking event and ChemNet become a reality, not to mention all the funds raised for charity and ChemBall.
After a huge end to last year with our 12 days of Christmas – we weren’t keen to let that ChemSoc spirit die. Despite deadlines and dissertations galore, ChemSoc has turned out in force!
Our year began with an innovative idea from our Careers Rep: imagine speed dating, but in a professional capacity with Birmingham Alumni! It was a chance to tackle questions that just can’t be asked anywhere else, from those who’ve been in your position just a few years ago. A huge thank you to Irma Houmadi for her organisation, overcoming any hiccups and hurdles along the way with ease! From learning about what a PhD is really like to how to get into industry, students from all years came together to kick-start their future (alongside eating free Dominoes’ Pizza, thanks to the EPS Student Culture Fund).
But we didn’t stop there, this term we’ve started a new regular event – ChemNet! Hosted by ChemSoc and the department, ChemNet is an informal place for advice and discussion, with free pizza and a new topic each event. Our first event was a great success, with current PhD students and a few lecturers coming to help our undergraduates get to grips with research. Keep your eyes peeled for ChemNet’s sessions on revision, industrial placements, essay writing and much more. Anything else you think you would be useful, just ask and we’ll see what we can do.
Despite being the first year for ChemSoc’s Netball and Football team, they’ve done us proud this year at the EPS Trophy – with Netball winning first place and bringing back our first sports trophy. Watch this space for there’s been rumours of a touch rugby team starting up next term...
And let’s not forget, our wonderful charity team have been busy this term too. Our Valentine’s bake sale saw some cakes even Mary Berry would be proud of with £172 raised for Cancer Research UK, and some very happy faces around the Haworth Building. But they didn’t stop there – a further £228.47 was raised for Save the Children with a raffle full of prizes at our Annual ChemBall.
And last but by no means least, this year’s ChemBall was our biggest and best to date! Our Enchanted Forest at the Botanical Gardens saw over 300 guests in attendance, including undergraduates, postgraduates and our largest staff turnout to date. With a delicious three-course meal, canapes, a jazz band, raffle, photobooth, awards ceremony and a DJ to see us through until the early hours. Congratulations to everyone on their awards, and to all the ChemSoc Committee for their hard work and dedication – it paid off!
This year’s been a real success for ChemSoc across the board, and we can’t wait to see next year’s committee try to top it! If you found our speed-networking session informative, enjoyed attending our first ChemNet event, thought ChemBall was spectectular this year or believe that anyone on the committee has delivered above and beyond your expectations, don't hesitate to nominate us for the EPS Societies' Awards!
