What’s the focus of your role?
As an Operations Analyst, I’m on a management track with a focus on operations and data analysis, working on a lot of different projects to improve operations. I work in a lot of different areas, from market research to finance and investments, giving me a chance to figure out my career by sampling different areas of business.
Was it challenging to enter a management-focused role as a fresh graduate?
I was given a lot of responsibility and made to feel valued right from the start. I’m very involved in a lot of different areas, which has allowed me to progress quickly. The other managers are really lovely and supportive, and I think we all learn a lot from each other.
What does a typical day in the life of an Operations Analyst look like?
The job varies day-to day-and I manage a lot of projects simultaneously, alongside my more routine tasks, such as KPI reporting and performance forecasting. The projects could be in close collaboration with a wider team, such as a market research or investment-related projects, or they could be very autonomous – it really depends. There’s a lot of data analysis, and of course, meetings with colleagues and other managers. My time is split between the laboratory and the office, so I get to interact with a lot of people.
Why did you choose to kickstart your career at Eurofins?
I knew I didn’t want to go into direct laboratory work after my chemistry degree, so Eurofins gave me the chance to pursue my interest in the business side of things. I was familiar with a lot of the laboratory equipment so I could apply my knowledge there, but more importantly, I was attracted to the opportunity to work in different areas and learn new things that didn’t relate directly to my studies. Eurofins is a huge Group with hundreds of different laboratories, meaning I also have a lot of opportunity to work across the company at our other sites in the future. Plus, the breadth of work we do is really interesting.
Tell us about something you’re working on at the moment.
One of my current projects focuses on capacity monitoring, which involves analysing the number of samples a lab can cope with, in order to foresee any stumbling blocks and figure out where we can make meaningful improvements. This is an essential tool for the business as it drives investments into new equipment. I’m still working on the project, but the model is already being used to start new investments.
What's your favourite thing about working for Eurofins?
Our network. I can always get help and advice from other laboratories if I face a problem, and the internal opportunities to work abroad are great.
How would you describe the Eurofins culture/work environment?
Graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic has meant I’ve had to work from home a lot, but my colleagues have still been so friendly and supportive. Being on site with everyone is great and I’ve got to know other young people working in the laboratory.
What skills make a great Operations Analyst?
For me, I think it was my enthusiasm and determination to do well that made me stand out during the interview process. I graduated into a lockdown, during tough times on the job market, but I never give up, learnt from each rejection, and remained hungry to learn as much as possible. Now, I’m still keen to keep learning, especially on the business side of operations, and I think it helps that I’m always interested to hear and incorporate other points of view.