We had the chance to discuss with another of our specialised consultant at Real Staffing. Leyna is a Project Engineer data integrity in the pharmaceutical sector with 7 years of experience. She started her career first as a teacher and after two years she decided to return to her passion: science and laboratories. We spoke to her about her career, goals, ambitions, and the collaboration with Real Staffing.
Can you tell us more about your career path and the projects you had the chance to work on?
After 2 years as a teacher I joined Plasma industries in 2016, which is now Prothya Biosolutions, as a laboratory technician in the QC lab, where I carried out quality control tests on samples taken at different moments in the production chain.
I was then spotted by Pfizer and they offered me a position in their phase 1 clinical research unit on the Anderlecht site. I was responsible for all the analytical part of the new laboratory which was starting from scratch.
My work covered the purchase and validation of equipment and tests as well as the drafting of procedures, the implementation of processes as well as training, quality management (Event/Deviation/CAPA), stock management, collaboration with other departments (nurses, pharmacists, doctors, etc.). I had also the chance to work as internal auditor and team leader.
When did you started with Real Staffing?
After 4 very rewarding years from a professional but also human point of view, I decided to give a new turn to my professional career by becoming a consultant within Real Staffing.
The choice of Real Staffing is not insignificant since it corresponds to the corporate culture that I was looking for and moreover gave the opportunity to be able to highlight our achievements, our personal as well as professional qualities in mutual respect.
I started with a first project within Purna Pharmaceuticals as data integrity with the aim of FDA accreditation for the marketing of a new drug. The project was a success and we obtained the approval with zero observations or remarks from the FDA!
I am currently in my second project, back at Pfizer but this time in Puurs as Project Engineer Data Integrity.
What do you like most about your job?
I have always liked to be challenged in life; it's the best stimulus for me. It pushes me to continually surpass and improve myself. I have no limit when it comes to learn and develop new skills.
What I really like about my role as a consultant is that I work by project, which allows me not to stay in a routine. Every client is different, with different needs. Being able to come and bring my help, support and expertise to each of them is something important and rewarding for me. Every day I learn a lot from the people around me and I always try to give them the best of me too.
What has Real Staffing meant for your career?
The first contact I had with Real Staffing was quite “funny”. In May 2022, I was hospitalized in emergency for more than 2 weeks. During my hospitalization, I received a notification via LinkedIn from Sarah Mooradun, a Recruitment Consultant at Real Staffing. Once out of the hospital I finally had an interview to discuss about my career possibilities but also what Real Staffing could offer me.
I think anyone with a LinkedIn page knows that recruiters contact us a lot. You can find anything and everything there. I had several catch-ups with Real Staffing in order to be sure that we were on the same page and that I could also find my professional fulfilment which is super important to me. I started in September 2022 and in December 2022 I made the request internally in order to follow a training course which was granted to me directly after explaining the need to follow it to better meet customer needs.
The advantage of working within Real Staffing is to be able to help different companies/clients with my expertise to carry out their projects in compliance with quality rules so that they can obtain validation from the competent authority (or even to find solutions to remedy recurring problems of negative quality control).
How would you describe the relationship between the client, yourself and your recruitment consultant at Real Staffing?
There is always a first consultation between Real Staffing and me in order to describe the client, the type of mission and see if it corresponds to my needs and interest.
If positive, Real Staffing send my profile to the client who, if there is interest, offers an interview during which the job is discussed as well as the client's expectations.
Once the project has started, there are regular follow-ups between the client, Real Staffing and myself. My representative within Real Staffing is currently Gilles Carpentier. He is always available and ready to listen any time if needed and I really appreciate our professional relationship.
Why did you choose to work in the Pharma sector?
Working in the pharmaceutical industry means participating in the advancement of clinical research but also in the marketing of drugs that can cure certain diseases or improve the lives of people with severe illnesses.
My my aunt's husband suffered from lung cancer, after two recurrences, he entered a protocol. It did not cure him but his life could be extended by 4 years. He passed away a year ago. The hope that one day a laboratory will find a molecule that can cure this type of cancer is something I believe in. Participating in the research or manufacture of medicines in accordance with the quality rules is so rewarding to me.
What are you next objectives regarding your career?
Every day is a new opportunity for me. It’s important to learn every day and increase my knowledge as much as possible by participating in new training courses, having projects with various clients (large and small companies). I am very focused on Quality and therefore develop my skills in this field is crucial to me.
What advice would you give to someone that aspires to start his/her career in your industry/sector?
If it's something you're passionate about or interested in, go for it! Either way you learn.
Interested in joining our team? Real is hiring and growing. With opportunities across the Belgium and a global footprint, we have career-making roles within Life Sciences Industry. To find out more and to apply fill in the form below.
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