To kick things off, could you tell us a bit about your career background and current role?
I started working at CyanoGuard right after finishing my bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at ZHAW. The transition from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree also meant a better work-study-life balance for me since I started studying part-time and working part-time.
Currently, I am working as a Safety Officer and Lab Assistant.
My current role is split between Lab Assistant tasks like producing test cartridges, assisting Jan with the synthesis, operating the dosing machines, preparing the buffer solutions, and the shipment and traceability of the shipment scrap levels for each production step.
As Safety Officer, I am responsible for: updating all the relevant documentation, checking if we are compliant with all the SUVA requirements, and ensuring that everything is secured. In addition, I must ensure all the team members have proper work equipment and uniforms and that all the chemicals and equipment we use are correctly and securely stored.
What advice do you have for students who are looking to balance work and studies?
During my full-time bachelor's studies, I was also working, and I found it challenging to find a healthy balance between studying and my job. Currently, I am studying part-time and working part-time. I like it much better; it allows me to focus on my studies and use the gained knowledge in my work. For example, part of my studies is focused on safety management, quality, and marketing, and I can use the gained knowledge to assist my colleagues with their work if needed.
I would recommend everyone study and work simultaneously, as it allows you to merge your theoretical and practical knowledge.
How do you ensure CyanoGuard follows industry standards and safety regulations?
I am continuously focused on improving our standards and ensuring we are up to date with all the industry changes and requirements.
To make sure we follow the regulations, I am providing training to our team members. The training is conducted twice a year, depending on how many changes we have to implement. I am also providing training for all the new team members and familiarizing them with the job requirements concerning safety.
What excites you most about CyanoGuard’s technology?
First, I was pretty excited to learn about the gold mining industry. I wasn’t familiar with the gold mining process, and working with CyanoGuard allowed me to learn a lot about the mining, our solution, and how big of an impact we can have on this industry. It was interesting to learn how we help companies save so much in terms of revenue, but also in terms of cyanide consumption.
Cyanide is a toxic chemical, and if our solution helps companies reduce cyanide pollution in the environment, I am glad to be part of that. The first step in the right direction is essential. It is a rewarding experience to see a positive impact of a product you helped to develop.
How have you seen CyanoGuard change since your time here?
The change has been tremendous!
I started to work with CyanoGuard while we were still based in Wädenswil. Now we are based in Zurich - Altstetten. Our company has grown a lot since then. One of the most significant changes came in the facilities and office space, which improved the quality of all our processes.
Our product development improved as the team, and the company grew. Everyone has clear responsibilities and is laser-focused on the well-being of the company. It is very inspiring to work in this kind of environment. The office has a positive “vibe”, and I am happy to be part of CyanoGuards’ team.
What’s one thing that surprised you about working at CyanoGuard?
If I compare my previous work experience with the one at CyanoGuard, the biggest surprise for me was the company culture. CyanoGuard takes care of its people. The team is always there for you, and you feel like an important part of the team. No one feels excluded.
The company is well organized, we all know what our responsibilities are, and if we have any obstacles, Benedikt and Benjamin are here for us. They are very approachable. If we ever need to discuss something, their doors are open. I have never worked in a company with a flat hierarchy, and this was a refreshing experience for me.
I was also positively surprised when I got a surprise cake for my birthday.😊I was overwhelmed with emotions. I have never experienced such a happy and healthy office environment before. I enjoy our after-work Apero and Taco Tuesdays. These are small things that make a huge difference.
What’s the most exciting part of your job?
I mentioned earlier that part of my job is being a Safety Officer. What I find exciting about this is that I directly impact the well-being of my colleagues. I am directly taking care of their safety at work. I feel proud that part of my work positively impacts my co-workers.
I make sure that by implementing safety measures, I improve the overall safety of our company and our employees’ health.
I am committed to continuing to impact our company’s safety positively.
What are the values that drive you?
The value that drives me the most is open-mindedness.
I always try to live by it. I have been traveling around the globe and met people from all over the world. I have been trying to learn as much as possible about their cultures, ways of working, and thinking.
I really like our very international team here at CyanoGuard and I am learning from my colleagues as well. It’s a rewarding experience, and I hope to continue learning and growing with all these amazing people around me.
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