Q. Where do you currently work?
A. I work at Grifols Biologicals Inc (GBI). GBI manufactures blood clotting factors using plasma therapeutics.
Q. What is your role at x company?
A. I am a quality associate. Specifically, I work in quality operations as a product audit specialist. Our department consists of several auditors who are responsible for auditing manufacturing run-books for various product lines. During this process I look for documentation errors related to a given lot. I also ensure the product meets license requirements for its intended market (for sales). Afterwards, the product is released for sales.
Q. What is a typical day like for you on the job?
A. I am responsible for releasing finished goods for domestic and international sales. I also audit batch records related to the finished goods.
Q. What skills are necessary to be successful in your job?
A. We are the last group who sees the product prior to sales; due to this a keen eye to details is critical. If any issues arise we have to account for them and ensure the issue is resolved prior to release. Also understanding ideas such as precipitations, titrations, filtrations, and other chemical concepts is needed.
Q. What do you like most about what you do?
A. I enjoy learning the details of the manufacturing process. From titrations to product sampling, aspects of the knowledge I acquired at Cal State Los Angeles University (CSULA) is seen daily. I truly enjoy applying that knowledge into my daily life.
Q. How did you end up working at Grifols?
A. I learned about GBI though a presentation at CSULA. The President of GBI spoke and provided information about an interesting career choice through GBI.
Q. Why did you choose to go into QA?
A. Overall, this position seemed like a wonderful opportunity to bridge my education into actual daily life. I also saw it as an opportunity to assist people with their quality of daily living.
Q. What is your educational background?
A. I earned a BS in biology from Cal State Los Angeles University.
Q. How did your education play a role in where you are now?
A. My profession deals with understanding ideas such as titrations, pH adjustments, filtrations, chemical bonds, and several other concepts. The education I obtained at CSULA allowed me to acquire this knowledge.
Q. What are your near-term and long-term career goals?
A. In the near future, I would like to learn more about the manufacturing process in regards to what occurs when things don't necessarily go according to plan. Long- term I am in graduate school earning a MS in Quality Assurance.
Q. What advice would you give to students and professionals currently in the life sciences industry considering a career in QA?
A. Do some research on the type of company it is and the area you would be working in to ensure you have an understanding of the duties required.
Q. Is there anything else you would like to mention?
A. Whatever field you choose try to ensure that you will enjoy your career. It's a wonderful feeling being passionate about what you do.
Field: Quality Assurance
Job: Quality Assurance Audit Specialist
Company: Grifols Biologicals
(Blue=B.S. degree)
