Jessica Rouse PhD Chemistry, 2009

Managing Director, Emphasis

“I chose to come to Southampton for my PhD in Materials Science after graduating from Cardiff University with a BSc in Chemistry because of the quality of the academic staff and their interesting research projects. I felt I wanted to know more about the subject after my first degree. I was really happy at Southampton and made plenty of great friends, the doctoral research was challenging but I stuck with it and the results came through.

I worked at a senior level with managers at global companies such as BP and Chevron on strategic, technical and scientific projects.

“After graduating, I first took on a consultancy project via GraduateOn, a scheme to support students in gaining their first job role. This involved consulting for Butlins for six months to improve efficiencies and reduce costs. I then joined OTM Consulting who provide technical and strategic support to companies in the energy sector. Here I worked at a senior level with managers at global companies such as BP and Chevron on strategic, technical and scientific projects.

“In 2012, I established Emphasis, a specialist marketing and event management agency that works exclusively in the science and technology markets. We’re passionate about supporting clear and effective technical communications within these sectors using scientific knowledge and marketing expertise. At first, our clients were mainly in the energy sector but we have now diversified into new areas such as pharmaceuticals, IT and technology. The company continues to grow and I’m pleased we can support our clients through effective and strategic marketing.”