Henkel’s Julie Joseph explores her career journey, the aspects of her sector that she would change and the personality traits most suited to a career in this space.

“What drew me towards this career area was my enjoyment of problem solving and understanding how things work,” explained Julie Joseph, a technology specialist at Henkel. “I have always been naturally curious, so I could easily have ended up in many different STEM careers.” 

Particularly interested in chemistry and how it combines scientific thinking with practical applications that can “make a real difference” in industry and manufacturing, Joseph went on to complete a PhD in polymer chemistry and developed specialist technical knowledge.

“After finishing my studies, I initially worked in research and development for many years,” she said.

“Those roles suited my background well because they involved experimentation, innovation and continuous learning. I enjoyed investigating scientific problems and helping develop new materials and technologies.” 

What interested you about this career area?

Later in my career, I was given the opportunity to move into a more customer-focused role, where I now work with customers to solve design and production issues involving Henkel’s adhesives. That move was a major turning point for me because it allowed me to combine technical problem solving with communication and collaboration.

One of the things I enjoy most is that I work with many different people and industries, and no two challenges are exactly the same. There is often a stereotype that STEM careers involve sitting alone in a laboratory, but my experience has been very different. I regularly work with engineers, manufacturers and customers, and I enjoy helping people find practical solutions to complex problems.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The thing I enjoy most about my job is the variety. Every day is different, which means the work never becomes repetitive. I help current and potential customers solve technical and manufacturing problems, so there is always a new challenge to investigate and a different solution to develop.

I enjoy the satisfaction that comes from helping someone overcome an issue and improving the way a product or process works.

Another part of the role that I enjoy is meeting and working with different people. Some meetings take place in person while others happen online through Microsoft Teams, but communication is always a huge part of my work. 

Technical knowledge is important, but it is equally important to explain ideas clearly, listen carefully and collaborate effectively. I enjoy that balance between science and communication because it makes the role much more dynamic and rewarding.

I also enjoy the fact that I am constantly learning. STEM industries evolve quickly, with new technologies, materials and manufacturing methods being introduced all the time. There is always something new to understand, which keeps my brain active and makes the work interesting.

What’s the most exciting development you’ve witnessed in your sector since you first started?

There have been many exciting developments since I started working in the sector, particularly in materials science and computing. New adhesive technologies have allowed manufacturers to create stronger, lighter and more efficient products across industries such as automotive and electronics.

However, the biggest development I have witnessed has been the continued rise of computing and digital technology. When I first started working in research and development, many processes were slower and more manual. Today, advanced software, modelling systems and digital communication tools have completely changed the way scientists and engineers work. We can now analyse data more quickly, collaborate globally and solve problems far more efficiently than before. 

More recently, generative AI has created another major shift in the industry. AI tools can help generate ideas, process information and improve productivity at incredible speeds. I find this development particularly fascinating because it is transforming the way people work with technology. At the same time, human judgement and expertise remain essential.

If you had the power to change anything within the STEM sector, what would that be?

If I could change one thing within the STEM sector, it would be the perception that scientists and engineers lack communication skills or creativity. In reality, successful STEM careers require much more than technical knowledge alone. Collaboration, innovation and communication are all extremely important.

In my own role, communication is essential. I work closely with customers to understand their challenges and help them find practical solutions. That means I need to explain technical concepts clearly, listen carefully and build strong working relationships. Without effective communication, even the best technical ideas may not succeed.

I would also like people to recognise how creative STEM careers can be. Problem solving often involves thinking differently, experimenting with new ideas and developing innovative solutions. STEM is not just about formulas and calculations, it is also about creativity and imagination.

Which personality traits make you best suited to your job and this sector?

I think curiosity is one of the personality traits that makes me best suited to my role. I enjoy learning about new technologies, understanding how products are manufactured and finding ways to improve processes. In STEM careers, curiosity is extremely important because industries are constantly evolving.

Adaptability is another key trait. Throughout my career, I have moved from research and development into a more customer-focused role, which required me to develop new skills and approaches. STEM careers change rapidly, so being willing to adapt and continue learning is essential. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about a career in your area?

My main advice would be to stay curious, adaptable and open to opportunities. STEM careers are constantly changing because technology and scientific knowledge continue to evolve. Being willing to learn and develop new skills is extremely important. I would also encourage people not to think of STEM careers as purely technical. Modern STEM roles often involve teamwork, communication and collaboration with many different people and industries. Developing interpersonal skills can therefore be just as valuable as developing technical expertise.

Finally, I would encourage people not to be discouraged by challenges. STEM careers often involve solving difficult problems, but overcoming those challenges is also what makes the work rewarding. For anyone who enjoys learning, problem solving and innovation, STEM can be an exciting and fulfilling career path.

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