TEA BREAK WITH…. Chevonne Irving, Graduate in the Technology & Innovation (T&I)
We sat down with Chevonne Irving, Graduate in the Technology & Innovation (T&I) Team and asked her 5 questions.
Tell us about a typical day in your role at James Cropper.
I don’t really have a ‘typical day’. My days tend to be a mix of desk-based research, lab experiments, and liaising with colleagues to progress projects. Every day is different, which I love.
I have a number of different projects on the go at any one time, some technology and innovation related which tend to be the ‘blue-sky’ projects; and then some which are specific to paper research and development. All projects are at different stages, so every day I spend varying amounts of time on each, depending on priority.
The Graduate Scheme which I am on has a number of training courses, so some of my time is spent working through assignments.
I always finish my day by checking my emails one last time and looking at my calendar and to-do list for the next day: there’s something distinctly satisfying about being able to cross things off, but more often than not I add at least as much to it as I take away!
During your career at James Cropper, what has been your most memorable highlight?
Passing my probation period was a wonderful highlight! I love working for such an innovative company and was over the moon to have that milestone behind me and be able to focus on my future with the business.
Who do you most admire in the industry?
The people I work with. There’s something special about James Cropper, and for me that’s all down to the people. I’ve already learned a lot from the people I’ve had a chance to meet and work with, and my job is more to me than just working my hours.
Which three things would you take to a desert island?
1. A phone (I’m assuming this island has good signal) – because I couldn’t go very long without talking to someone!
2. A piano – any piano as long as it’s in tune.
3. A watercolour painting set.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Liquorice torpedoes (but only the ‘Panda’ ones). I tell myself they’re healthy because you can buy them from Holland & Barrett, and I ignore the fact that sugar is the first item on the ingredients list – must be ‘good sugar’ surely?
