Finding SPGL

Upon graduating as a Bioscience Engineer in August 2022, my exploration of opportunities in the Pharmaceutical Industry began. While I didn’t have a specific interest or career path in mind, my encounter with SPGL at a job fair left a lasting impression on me. Despite being aware of larger consultancy firms, SPGL stood out for its personal touch. As I engaged in initial communications with them, that sense of personal connection only grew stronger. Unlike what I anticipated about entering the industry, I never felt like just another employee or sensed any hidden agendas. Right from the start, it felt like embarking on a unique and personal career journey.

However, my first project did not turn out to be the ideal fit for me. I promptly shared my concerns with SPGL, and they responded swiftly, making me feel valued and heard. We had regular discussions about available projects, exploring options, as well as assessing my aspirations and vision for the future. It genuinely felt like they were supporting and assisting me in achieving my goals.

Current Project

Currently, I am working as a Turnover & Commissioning Engineer (T&C Engineer) at the newly constructed CAR-T facility of Janssen Pharmaceutica in Ghent. Although my educational background is in cellular and genetic engineering, my current project veers slightly away from the biological/pharmaceutical aspect, but still maintains a focus on engineering. As a T&C Engineer, my responsibility lies in providing Janssen with the appropriate documentation. This entails supplementing the documentation provided by subcontractors with complementary documents. Additionally, I serve as a liaison between Janssen and the subcontractors, which requires frequent visits to the construction site to ensure proper installation of each system. Once confirmed, we proceed to test the systems to ensure their functionality. Despite being slightly distanced from the biological processes, my knowledge of laboratories, cleanrooms, and working in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) proves invaluable in this project.

New Skills

Furthermore, being involved in a construction-oriented project has afforded me the opportunity to acquire practical skills that were not extensively covered during my studies. In the few months I’ve been part of this project, I have identified and addressed errors, raised necessary concerns, and followed up on them, requiring collaboration with diverse individuals. The extensive responsibilities have taught me effective task and time management, as well as overseeing the resolution of raised issues.

Summary

Reflecting on my discussions with SPGL regarding switching projects, my aspirations were clear: seeking more responsibility, a practical work setting that doesn’t confine me to a desk all day, and a continued learning experience. I believe they have found a project that aligns with these desires and allows me to grow and develop further. I am genuinely excited about the next phase of my career at SPGL.