Ricardo Davis: From UWI Lab to Industrial Maverick

As final-year students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in the Faculty of Science and Technology, you're likely contemplating the myriad career paths ahead.

The journey from university to professional life can be both exhilarating and daunting, filled with uncertainties and opportunities.

To shed light on the diverse paths available to science graduates, we interviewed Ricardo Davis, a UWI alum who has carved out a remarkable journey in the industrial sector right here in Jamaica.

Ricardo's story offers invaluable insights into the transformative power of education and the boundless possibilities awaiting those who dare to pursue their passions beyond the classroom.

As an Undergraduate

Ricardo's educational journey started with an ambitious pursuit of Applied Chemistry, fueled by a passion for the sciences and a desire for practical application.

His decision to specialize in chemistry, rather than biochemistry or physics, was influenced by his affinity for practical laboratory work and the tangible results it yielded.

From his early days in university, Ricardo found himself drawn to the dynamic world of science, relishing the opportunity to roll up his sleeves and dive into laboratory work.

Despite grappling with the challenges of complex coursework, including some memorable "hellish" chemistry classes, Ricardo remained undeterred. It was the thrill of seeing abstract concepts come to life in the lab that kept him going, reminding him why he chose this path in the first place.

But Ricardo's journey wasn't just about mastering the scientific principles; it was also about broadening his horizons and embracing new opportunities. That's why he decided to minor in Management Studies, recognizing the value of blending scientific expertise with essential business acumen.

Transitioning from Graduation to Employment

Transitioning from academia to the professional realm was relatively smooth for Ricardo, thanks to his early exposure to the workforce during his undergraduate years.

Ricardo Davis embarked on his professional journey while still in university, initially taking on part-time work during his undergraduate years. However, his official transition into full-time employment began shortly after he graduated from the University of the West Indies.

It was during this pivotal period that Ricardo secured his first job as a lab technician at Windalco, marking the beginning of his career in the industrial sector. Since then, Ricardo has continued to build upon his experiences and skills, steadily advancing in his chosen field and embracing new opportunities along the way.

Current Role as a Field Service Operator

As a field service operator at BASF Jamaica, Ricardo is involved in the production and supply of flocculants to industrial clients such as Jamalco. Flocculants are chemicals used in industrial processes to aid in the clarification of liquids, particularly in separating solids from liquids.

Ricardo's role includes various responsibilities related to the production and supply of flocculants. This may involve overseeing the manufacturing process of flocculants, ensuring quality control measures are met, and coordinating logistics for the delivery of these chemicals to clients like Jamalco.

The Role of Networking in Career Progression

Ricardo emphasizes the pivotal role of networking in accessing job opportunities beyond conventional job searches.

His experiences underscore the importance of interpersonal connections and recommendations in securing employment. Leveraging existing relationships and industry connections facilitated Ricardo's seamless transition into his current role, highlighting the significance of cultivating a professional network.

Navigating Location and Commuting Challenges

Ricardo Davis shared insightful advice regarding both work and location considerations for graduates entering the workforce, drawing from his own experiences navigating the challenges of commuting and adapting to various job environments.

One key aspect of his advice emphasized the importance of considering the proximity of potential job opportunities to one's home

Ricardo underscored the significance of evaluating transportation costs associated with potential job locations.

He cautioned against selecting positions that would strain one's budget due to high commuting expenses. By choosing job opportunities that are accessible without incurring excessive transportation costs, graduates can ensure that a substantial portion of their salary is not consumed by transportation expenses, allowing for greater financial stability and flexibility.

Ricardo shares his commuting journey. On average, if he's working the evening shift, it takes him roughly three hours to commute home. This duration includes navigating through traffic and other factors that may affect his journey.

Similarly, when leaving home to go to work for the evening shift, the commute also takes about three hours.

However, if Ricardo is on a morning shift, the commute is significantly shorter, typically taking around one and a half to two hours to reach work since he would be headed against the traffic.

Enjoying Flexibility and Contribution in the Workplace

Despite the logistical challenges, Ricardo finds fulfilment in the flexibility offered by his current role.

One aspect of his job that Ricardo Davis particularly enjoys is the flexibility it offers. He appreciates having the ability to go to work while still having enough free time to pursue personal interests and obligations outside of the workplace.

This flexibility, afforded by the flexi-shift system, allows Ricardo to schedule his work hours in a way that accommodates his lifestyle and priorities.

Furthermore, Ricardo finds fulfilment in the significance of his contributions to the industrial processes. He takes pride in knowing that the work he does, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in the larger operational framework.

Seeing the tangible impact of his efforts, whether it's ensuring equipment is functioning smoothly or optimizing processes for efficiency, provides Ricardo with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

Ricardo's parting advice echoes the sentiments of many seasoned professionals: prioritize networking, maintain a positive online presence, and cultivate professionalism in all interactions.

He emphasizes the value of building connections both externally and within one's field of study. Ricardo believes that networking opens doors to opportunities and recommends getting to know people who may have links to potential employers or industries of interest.

Moreover, Ricardo highlights the significance of professionalism and courtesy in all interactions, whether in person or on social media.

He stresses the impact of one's behaviour on their professional reputation and advises graduates to be mindful of how they present themselves. Ricardo emphasizes the need to be courteous and aware of the potential consequences of one's actions, as they can influence career prospects and opportunities.

In addition, Ricardo underscores the importance of managing one's social media presence. He cautions against posting content that could harm one's career and advises graduates to be careful of what they say and do online. Ricardo emphasizes that employers do pay attention to social media activity, and negative content could potentially harm one's career prospects.

Conclusion

As we conclude Ricardo Davis's insightful interview, we're reminded of the wealth of knowledge and experiences shared by graduates as they navigate their unique paths from university to the professional world.

Each story offers valuable insights, lessons learned, and inspiration for those embarking on their journey.

We encourage you to explore the other graduate stories featured on our platform and engage with their narratives. Take a moment to read through their experiences, gain new perspectives, and reflect on how their journeys resonate with your own aspirations and goals.

Your thoughts, comments, and reflections are invaluable contributions to our community. We invite you to leave a comment sharing your thoughts on the graduate stories or connect with us for further discussions. Your feedback not only enriches the conversation but also fosters a supportive environment where we can learn from each other's experiences and insights.