"A lot of importance is attached to your ability to work in a team, and that remains the case throughout your training."

Natalie K., Laboratory Chemist, Research and Development

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My name is Natalie K. and I'm an apprenticelaboratory chemist. In my current department, we develop measuring methods that serve to check the quality of our products. We actually start at a relatively early stage of the development process for new products, in that we're already working with the active ingredients we intend to bring to market while the production process is still being set up. We then go to develop measuring methods to check both quality and quantity. These methods will later be integrated into the daily routines of the laboratories responsible for quality assurance during production. However this is just one of many specialist areas in which a laboratory chemist can be employed.

There are five of us in my laboratory. We get on very well with our boss and talk to each other while we're working about our lives outside work and general interests. But of course we're not an isolated team as we're closely linked to staff who carry out the everyday measurements in the production process. After all they work with the methods that we develop. Sometimes we also finish developing methods that have been started in other locations in the USA or in Biberach. This is why communication with other departments – even in other countries – is a key part of our work.

Working in production

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My way to Boehringer Ingelheim

I completed my secondary school certificate in Bad Kreuznach in 2012. Even while I was still at school, teachers and former pupils were recommending Boehringer Ingelheim as an employer. I took their advice and applied to the company. I was accepted one day after the interview.

My typical day of work

7:00 am

My work day starts early. I first read my emails of course, then I check to see if my measurement from the previous day has run smoothly.

7:30 am

There is normally time for a coffee break afterwards. We like to have breakfast together with all our colleagues from different laboratories in our department and discuss what we're doing.

8:00 am

I start the new working day. I then weigh, dissolve and dilute samples.

10:00 am

The measuring device has to be prepared in order to start the new measurement.

11:30 am

Lunch, which I like to have with colleagues.

12:30 pm

I evaluate the previous day's measurement on my PC using a special computer program.

2:45 pm

Weights, measurements and results must now be documented in databases and Excel tables.

4:00 pm

Time to go home

My advice for you:

Simply be yourself in the interview. That's how it was for me back then. A lot of importance is attached to your ability to work in a team and that remains the case throughout your training.

That's why I work for Boehringer Ingelheim

What I like best here is the fact that you can have a look at so many other different areas during the apprenticeship. There's a relatively wide range of activity fields for laboratory chemists, so I have the opportunity to discover what I'd like to specialise in after my training and what isn't really my thing.

The standard of training is really high. I also think it's a big advantage that Boehringer Ingelheim is such a big company, as it means there's scope to develop yourself further, on a personal level as well, and to become more independent and responsible. That's particularly important for young trainees such as myself. The contrast with school is enormous: the work is far more strenuous here. But I see that very positively, as I can't imagine a more interesting way to enter the world of work.

Even after training, there are many opportunities to develop in different directions in the company. You can, for example, qualify as training supervisor at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, become an on-site trainer, or start a dual course of study. Some laboratory chemists are even approached after the first training year and asked if they're interested in a dual course of study. Basic knowledge of English is definitely necessary, as many work instructions or quality requirements are written in English.

"Boehringer Ingelheim is a company with a wide range of animal health products."

Dr. med. vet. Katharina W., Global Pharmacovigilance Manager, Research & Development

"Throughout the entire evaluation procedure, I felt that I was being seen as an equal, and that I mattered as a person, as much as my qualifications and abilities."

Alexander Antretter, Engineering Trainee, Production

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