The Chemelot Young Professional Sessions (CHYPS) are organized by the Young Professional board but who are we and what do we do? In the previous weeks the members of the board have introduced themselves, the last one of this series is Raffaele Bernardo.
Who are you?
I am Raffaele Bernardo, an Italian Chemist. I am 33 and I hold a PhD in Organometallic Catalysis and Macromolecular Chemistry from the University of Naples, Federico II. I currently work for ARLANXEO Performance Elastomers and, as a Product Development Specialist, I am responsible for the design of the products of tomorrow for the new challenges of the modern rubber industry.
I am in love with Chemistry and Science in general, in my free time I like to read, learn new languages (my current targets are Dutch and Spanish), engage myself at CrossFit and spend time with my wife, Sara.
What do you do?
I joined ARLANXEO straight after my PhD and I worked four years for the Catalysis group, within the R&D department. I was in the privileged position to apply a business perspective to what I learnt during my PhD and enjoyed every new insight I could achieve. In 2018, in long for new challenges, I decided to move to the Product Development group (still within the R&D department of ARLANXEO). As a Product Development Specialist, I am learning everyday something new on how rubber products work in the everyday life.
Why the YP board?
No man is an island, and this is true for both our personal and professional life. Connecting with people and establishing a good network is important, but it can also be difficult. When I was offered the opportunity, I felt immediately compelled to join. As a board member, not only have I the chance of making a difference, but I can also help my peers to connect within the campus and get to know with nice professionals from all the different companies in the campus.
What do you think are the right tips & tricks for a young talent at campus?
Regardless the background, my first advise is simply to get to know people (junior and senior) as much as you can; joining to the Brightlands Young Professionals events is definitely a good start, but do not limit yourself to that. The Brightlands Chemelot Campus offers a unique opportunity in cultural and background diversity. It is at your reach on a silver plate, so do not stand on politeness and go for it!
Cultivate your talent with discipline and seek for mentorship in experienced professionals. They can challenge your ideas and help you to trigger your own motivation. Once properly engaged, you will be difficult to stop.
Make good use of all the tools and technologies that are available nowadays. Unlike the previous generations, you can have access to the majority of the mankind knowledge just by reaching your phone in your pocket, so make good use of it!
Last but not least, feel empowered to get out of your comfort zone. You will learn new things, also about yourself.
How do you see the future?
Future means ever going changing. In front of the forthcoming challenges (climate, sustainability), surely will we have to rely hard on innovation but also on a big change in attitude towards the available resources and the management of products at their of end of life.
As young talents we have the responsibility to lead and to bring new answers for more sustainable processes and a fairer society.
For more information and latest news on the young professionals community on campus visit the website.
(Photo credit: Annabel Romijn)
