Meet Emma, a Process Control Team Lead from Ireland. Emma studied Biological and Chemical Science in University College Cork and specialised in Microbiology.

As a Process Control Team Lead, what are your main responsibilities?
I manage the Process Control department, covering water chemistry and microbiology analysis, environmental monitoring, and endotoxin analysis of water and final products. I lead a team of 10 analysts and am responsible for the efficient running of the lab and the production of high-quality analysis data for our clients.

What does a typical day look like for you?
My daily tasks include corresponding with clients and servicing their needs, scheduling, and adjusting to issues and overcoming problems as they arise. I also support my team members, i.e. the analysts, to help make their jobs as easy as possible.

How would you describe Eurofins as a place to work?
Hardworking and rewarding – those that work hard and are committed to understanding the business and taking their role and responsibility seriously will excel and progress. As they say, cream rises to the top!

What surprised you once you started?
The level of trust and responsibility given to young people who have the potential to progress and are trustworthy. This allows you to learn and develop very quickly in such a high intensity environment.

What tips would you give to someone interested in a similar role?
The most important basics we look for in hiring analysts is work ethic and strong personal work standards – the technical stuff can be taught and learned over time. College degrees are important, but are not the main keys to success in the workforce; maturity and an understanding of the requirements of being in the professional workforce are essential soft skills that cannot be taught and need to be developed by an individual themselves.

What skills come most in handy in your job?
My background in customer care and dealing with clients from my time in the call centre has certainly helped me to develop my communication skills and gain an understanding of the challenges of working with different teams, groups and external clients, as well as how to navigate through difficulties in a positive way. For both analysts and managers, time management and self-organisation is essential, as is knowing when to stop ask for help and support if unsure is an important skill for any level. Knowing that we don’t have to know everything has helped me a lot – we just need to be willing to find the help and answers from the right places.