Young Professional Editorial: Career Development - Goes On
I wanted to take a break from my usual column and highlight a few Young Professionals (YPs) around the world. These individuals have not let COVID-19, or anything else, get in the way of their career development. Each joined ISPE at a different time in their career and is using the ISPE Communities of Practice (CoPs) and other ISPE resources to continue their career development virtually.
ISPE Belgium Affiliate; Kustermans is Young Professionals Chair for the ISPE Belgium Affiliate and the European Young Professional Co-chair.
How has ISPE helped shape your career? It offers me a wealth of knowledge sources for any topic in biopharma I want to dig into (webinars, conferences, Pharmaceutical Engineering® magazine, etc.). The ISPE family gives great opportunities for networking as well, and it has truly broadened my pharma network that I can reach out to in any situation.
How are you continuing your development during COVID-19? I’m listening to podcasts, completing webinars, studying new things in my interest field, and reading both fiction and nonfiction. What else to do with all the time, right?
Words of wisdom: Don’t be afraid to “choose wrong.” You’ll have endless opportunities and plenty of time to explore what your true passions are and get acquainted with different functions, departments, and more within the industry. Just make sure that you have at least one “success cycle” and good learnings in every role, project, or job before exploring new horizons.
ISPE New Jersey Chapter; Sprueill is Executive Board Secretary for the ISPE New Jersey Chapter and an active member of multiple Communities of Practice, including Biotechnology.
How has ISPE helped shape your career? ISPE helped with networking and meeting people who have become trusted friends. It has also helped me navigate through my career and shaped my career path.
How are you continuing your development during COVID-19? I am checking in with friends, colleagues, and associates via phone calls, text, email, Facebook, and LinkedIn. I am asking about their families and letting them know that I care about their welfare. I am also asking if I can help with anything. At this time, people need to demonstrate empathy and a genuine interest in how others may be feeling.
Words of wisdom: Build relationships with people before you need them. Get to know them and allow them to get to know you. If there is an issue you need help with in the future, you will have a network to tap into.
Reaction Engineer II, Chemical Engineering Research and Development, Merck; ISPE New Jersey Chapter; Rodrigues is a Young Professional Representative on the GAMP® North America Communities of Practice.
How has ISPE helped shape your career? I have developed strong relationships with industry professionals that I have utilized throughout my career.
How are you continuing your development during COVID-19? I’m taking online webinars and tutoring online. I’m also utilizing the ISPE Communities of Practice and literature to learn more about some of my favorite topics in pharma.
Words of wisdom: Make connections with people, not just groups, in order to learn more about subjects you are passionate about.
ISPE San Francisco Bay Area Chapter; Bennett is Executive Board Vice President of the ISPE San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and Young Professional North America Chair; she is also on multiple committees, including Women in Pharma® and Young Professionals.
How has ISPE helped shape your career? I have gained and strengthened customer, business, and mentor relationships through ISPE. Mentoring helps me grow and be better able to serve my customers both in and out of ISPE.
How are you continuing your development during COVID-19? I’m checking in with friends and family more than I might normally, and reading articles and books that are beyond COVID-19.
Words of wisdom: Push yourself to have more opportunities to fail, and make sure you learn from those opportunities, regardless of the outcome.
ISPE New Jersey Chapter; Manfredi has served as Young Professional Chair on the ISPE New Jersey Chapter Board and as a young professional Representative for the 2021 ISPE Aseptic Conference.
How has ISPE helped shape your career? Making new contacts through networking and utilizing the Good Practice Guides and documents within the Communities of Practice to aid my career development.
How are you continuing your development during COVID-19? I’m taking webinars—since most are free, it is a great time to learn new content from the safety of home.
ISPE Germany/Austria/Switzerland (D/A/CH) Affiliate; Yen is on the ISPE D/A/CH Board and serves as D/A/CH young professional Chair, Europe young professional Chair, and D/A/CH Women in Pharma® Representative.
How has ISPE helped shape your career? Knowledge sharing and exchange.
How are you continuing your development during COVID-19? Webinars within the D/A/CH Affiliate.
Words of wisdom: Connect with others, share knowledge, and build your network.
