At Chemical Solutions Limited, we believe it takes a village to grow a scientist. That belief sits at the heart of our internship partnership with Auckland University of Technology (AUT)/Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau — a collaboration grounded in purpose, people, and practical learning.
Each year, we welcome a final-year science student into our technical team, not just to observe, but to contribute meaningfully to the real work of our lab. For us, it’s about more than just providing experience – it’s about growing future capability, transferring knowledge, and embedding students in an environment that reflects the values and realities of the industry.
This year, that student was Greer West-Hill.
Meet Greer
Greer is a third-year AUT Bachelor of Science student, majoring in Biomedical Science and Chemistry. Her internship at Chemical Solutions has been more than just work experience — it’s been a launchpad for growth, learning, and future direction.
Greer reflects on the technical skills she’s gained in our lab, but also the deeper lessons: how to communicate effectively in a team, ask the right questions, take ownership, and turn theory into action. She’s not just building a CV — she’s building confidence and a clear sense of her career path.
From the Lab to the Real World: An Intern’s Journey
Q&A Perspectives from AUT Science Intern, Greer West-Hill
Q1: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in science?
A: I am currently in my third year at Auckland University of Technology, studying a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Biomedical Science and Chemistry. My interest in science began at a young age – I’ve always been curious about how things work and enjoyed hands-on experiments. I remember getting science kits for Christmas and spending hours creating slime, bath bombs and other fun mixtures. That early passion continued to grow throughout high school, which made choosing to pursue science at university a natural decision.
As part of my final-year project, I had the opportunity to apply for an industry placement. I was really excited by the chance to gain real-world experience and explore what a career in science might look like after university. Chemical Solutions stood out to me as I was intrigued by the idea of contributing to the development of products tailored to client needs. The fact that it’s a New Zealand-owned chemical manufacturer also made the opportunity feel even more meaningful and relevant.
Q2. Can you tell us about how your university experience has prepared you for this internship?
A: My AUT experience has given me a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of science. Throughout my degree, I’ve gained hands-on experience in various laboratory techniques — from preparing and analysing chemical samples to using specialised equipment and following strict safety protocols. These skills have given me the confidence to work independently in a lab setting while also understanding the importance of accuracy and attention to detail.
Q3: What made you choose Chemical Solutions Limited for your internship?
A: I chose to apply to Chemical Solutions as I was excited by the opportunity to be part of a New Zealand-owned company that plays a key role in the chemical manufacturing industry. The job description stood out to me — it offered a great balance of learning and hands-on experience, including exposure to QA/QC processes, regulatory compliance, and new product development. I was aware of these processes in a professional lab but was eager to learn more and apply them in a real-world setting.
Q4: Could you describe a typical day in the lab?
A: While no two days are exactly the same, my typical day in the lab usually starts with calibrating pH meters to ensure accurate measurements throughout the day. A large part of my role involves conducting stability testing on both new and reformulated products. This includes assessing how formulations perform over time when stored at different temperatures, which is essential for ensuring product quality and shelf life.
I also prepare and test product formulations. When developing a new product or trying to match a benchmark, I trial different ingredient combinations — sometimes going through six or seven iterations to achieve the desired performance. It’s a detailed and iterative process that requires careful observation and adjustment.
In addition, I perform chemical assays such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and free available chlorine testing on samples undergoing stability trials and on finished products ready for release. These tests help verify that products meet required specifications before they leave the facility.
Throughout the day, I work closely with the technical team, who have been incredibly supportive in guiding me through processes, answering questions, and helping me understand the purpose behind each task. Their mentorship has been invaluable in helping me build both technical skills and confidence in a professional lab environment.
Q5: What skills have you gained from this experience that you didn’t expect to learn?
A: One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed during this internship — and one I didn’t fully expect — is how to approach problem-solving in a practical, fast-paced environment. Working on product formulations has taught me that things don’t always go to plan on the first try. I’ve learned to think critically and adapt quickly when a formulation doesn’t perform as expected, whether it’s adjusting ingredients or refining testing methods. I’ve also gained a much deeper understanding of how products are developed from concept through to release, including the regulatory and quality control steps involved.
On the soft skills side, I’ve improved my communication and teamwork significantly. Asking questions and understanding how to work effectively with others in a professional lab setting have all been key takeaways. Overall, this experience has helped me grow not just as a science student but as a future professional in the field.
Q6: How has the Chemical Solutions Limited team (or ‘whanau’) supported you during your time here?
A: From the very beginning, everyone at Chemical Solutions made me feel welcome — not just within the technical team, but across the entire company. People regularly come in and out of the lab for various reasons, and every interaction I’ve had has been friendly and encouraging, which made settling in much easier.
The technical team has been incredibly supportive. They’ve taken the time to answer my questions, explain the reasoning behind each task, and share their immense knowledge. I’ve learned so much from them — from key technical skills to everyday lab tips that make a big difference. Their mentorship has made this experience both educational and enjoyable, and I’ve really appreciated being part of such a knowledgeable and approachable team.
Q7: What advice would you give to future students applying for this internship?
A: My biggest piece of advice is to apply, even if you’re unsure of your chances. You never know what could happen, and this internship has been an incredibly valuable learning experience for me. It’s easy to doubt yourself, but stepping outside your comfort zone is where the real growth happens.
The transition from university-based lab work to an industry setting can feel intimidating at first — the pace, expectations, and environment are all different — but you quickly adapt and learn a lot in the process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem basic. One of the best ways to make the most of the internship is to fully understand why you’re doing what you’re doing. The team at Chemical Solutions has been great at explaining not just how to do things but why they matter, which has helped deepen my understanding and confidence.
Be curious, take initiative, and treat every task as an opportunity to learn — even the small ones.
Q8: What role has your university played in facilitating this internship opportunity?
A: AUT played a key role in helping me secure this internship. As part of our final-year placement programme, the university provided a list of companies offering internships, including Chemical Solutions, which immediately stood out to me. I submitted my CV and cover letter, and our placement coordinator, Sunnie, reviewed my application materials. She provided valuable feedback to help tailor them specifically to the role, and once finalised, she managed all the communication with the company.
The process was made straightforward — I focused on preparing for the interview while Sunnie took care of the logistics. Beyond the application process, the university has continued to be incredibly supportive throughout the internship. They have been available to answer questions, offer guidance, and ensure we’re gaining meaningful experience. Having this level of support has made the transition from university to placement much smoother and more reassuring.
Q9: How do you think this internship experience will enhance your academic studies/coursework and your future goals?
A: Gaining experience in an industry setting at Chemical Solutions has been incredibly valuable in bridging the gap between theory and practice. Working in a professional lab environment has allowed me to refine my technical skills and gained a much deeper understanding of formulation— from how ingredients interact to the process of developing and testing new products. This hands-on experience has expanded my knowledge beyond what is taught in lectures and has helped me connect academic concepts to real-world applications.
Most importantly, this internship has helped clarify my future direction. It has shown me that I really enjoy working in this type of environment and could see myself pursuing a career in product development or formulation chemistry. Combining what I have learned at university with the practical skills gained during this placement has shaped both my academic growth and long-term career aspirations in the field of science.
“One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed during this internship — and one I didn’t fully expect — is how to approach problem-solving in a practical, fast-paced environment……. I’ve learned to think critically and adapt quickly when a formulation doesn’t perform as expected, whether it’s adjusting ingredients or refining testing methods.” – Greer, AUT Science Student and Chemical Solutions Intern
“The technical team has been incredibly supportive. They’ve taken the time to answer my questions, explain the reasoning behind each task, and share their immense knowledge. I’ve learned so much from them — from key technical skills to everyday lab tips that make a big difference. Their mentorship has made this experience both educational and enjoyable, and I’ve really appreciated being part of such a knowledgeable and approachable team.” – Greer, AUT Science Student and Chemical Solutions Intern
Conclusion
Greer’s experience is a powerful reminder that when students are given a chance to contribute meaningfully, the impact goes far beyond the lab. With the support of a collaborative team, her technical skills sharpened, her confidence grew, and her career pathway began to take shape. This is what real investment in people looks like: not a short-term opportunity, but a long-term commitment to capability-building.
At Chemical Solutions, we are proud to stand beside our interns as they take those first steps into their professional journey. And in doing so, we too grow stronger, more connected, and better prepared for the future of science in Aotearoa.
