DWS Represented at University of Leeds Alumni Panel

Don Whitley Scientific (DWS) was honoured to be represented at an alumni panel discussion at the University of Leeds last month.

Holly Harrison, a former BA English Language and Literature student, joined DWS in 2025 as Marketing Coordinator, having graduated from the School of English in July 2024. Alongside fellow alumni, she shared her postgraduate journey into scientific marketing with final-year students as they prepare to begin their own careers.

During the session, Holly reflected on her transition into the scientific industry, which began during a 12-month placement year in 2022 where she worked on marketing a range of pharmaceutical conferences. This experience sparked her interest in the sector, highlighting the breadth of opportunities available beyond more commonly recognised areas of marketing such as agency work.

Since joining DWS, Holly has been able to apply and further develop the transferable skills gained from her degree, including communication, copywriting, and critical thinking, within a highly technical environment. She spoke about how valuable it has been to work in scientific marketing specifically, engaging with a wide range of audiences from clinical professionals through to researchers within gut microbiome and cell culture.

Reflecting on the event, Holly said:
“While marketing is recognised as a popular career path for many English graduates, opportunities within scientific industries are often less visible and can feel inaccessible to students without a scientific background. The panel was a great opportunity to raise awareness and give students a better understanding of what a role in scientific marketing actually involves. At DWS specifically, working with people across so many departments in-house, from the laboratory and R&D through to production and service, means I’m constantly exposed to new knowledge and perspectives. Alongside the fast-paced nature of the industry, that’s what makes the role so engaging.”

This experience reflects DWS’ long-standing commitment to supporting early careers within the scientific industry. The company’s Apprenticeship Scheme, which has been running since 2010, continues to create opportunities for young people to develop a diverse skillset across our production, service, R&D, machine shop and sales departments, in collaboration with local colleges.

We thank Dr Mel Evans, Director of Student Education for the School of English, for the opportunity for Holly to represent DWS and promote growing awareness of careers within the scientific industry to current University of Leeds students.