It’s British Science Week this week – a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. Here at Covance, we thought it’s a good reason to tell you about one of our team and why they chose a career in science.
Syeda works in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Quality Assurance at Covance – in short this is the pharmaceutical manufacturing part of the business. Syeda is making sure the necessary systems and processes are in place to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of drug we manufacture.
Syeda has worked at Covance since graduating in 2006. Science has always been something she enjoyed and at school she was inspired by her chemistry teacher. Coming from a traditional Asian background, her ambition to follow a career in science was not really the norm for a young girl. However, she decided to keep on doing what she enjoyed and went to University in Bradford to study for a BSc in Pharmaceutical Management. Following her graduation, she joined Covance.
Having grown up locally Syeda was aware of Covance and the work we do, but at this point was not convinced that she wanted to be in this area for the long term. She initially joined the company as a Pharmacy Technical Assistant. During this time she completed a qualification in Pharmacy Services, so that she could register as a Pharmacy Technician.
Syeda said: “When I started at Covance, I was not sure that I was going to work in this area for the long term, but I soon became aware of the support and encouragement Covance gives employees. There are so many inspiring people working here, all with the aim of making a difference in medicine. Every day is different’’.
“The company has financially contributed to my further studies and is constantly giving me opportunities to learn new things. I am definitely the kind of person who needs challenges in work and the satisfaction that I am making a difference means a lot to me.”
Syeda’s role today within Covance’s has evolved and she is currently in the process of qualifying to become a QP (Qualified Person) within Covance. This is a person who is recognised by the EU regulations as the key figure within a drug manufacturing environment, responsible for certifying batches of drug product before it can be used. Syeda started on this training in 2017 and is now in the final stages for her Qualification, having completed her final module in January this year. Syeda has been encouraged and supported by Covance throughout this training.
When asked what makes Syeda most proud she said: “It’s the work in manufacturing drugs that we do here on site at Covance. I get involved with all aspect of manufacturing processes and their approvals – ultimately helping the drugs to reach the people who need them in the correct way. It’s something we as a company, alongside our volunteers should be very proud of’’.
“I would always encourage people thinking of volunteering to do a study with us to come and talk to us at the unit. See what we do and the difference we make. It’s all stringently controlled and regulated. We could not do this without volunteers. Together we can make a true impact on medicine and the future generation.”