"You can become whatever you want" - but does that apply to everyone?

My interest in science was awakened at school by my biology and chemistry teacher. I was fascinated when we put forward a hypothesis in class and verified it through experiments. I quickly realized that I wanted to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research, because in this field I can always explore new topics and gain exciting insights.

That's also what makes working in the Scientific, Medical & Clinical Affairs team so appealing. We are also a great international team and inspire each other. My work is very exciting because I am directly involved in the design and planning of scientific and clinical studies and the development of new products. It's great to contribute in this way to our mission of protecting lives worldwide!

I would like to give advice to young women who want to pursue a career in science or technology: Follow your interests and don't let (gender-related) obstacles deter you from your path. Seek advice and support from women who inspire you.

Ever since I was little, I have been magically drawn to the world of science. So it was only natural to study chemistry. With my degree in chemical engineering, it was initially difficult to start a career, as the world of work in this field was still dominated by men eight years ago. When I finally started at schülke in Regulatory Affairs, I felt valued as a person and for my skills right from the start. My colleagues always supported me on my way to a management position.

What appeals to me most about a career in STEM at schülke are the daily challenges. Our customers have high expectations of the quality and effectiveness of our products. We also have to comply with very strict regulations and laws when manufacturing them.

The best advice I can give young women: Trust your gut feeling, because it's always right! Believe in yourself and apply for the high-ranking position that appeals to you. The path is often still difficult, but more and more women are working in STEM leadership positions and you can be one of them.

STEM inspires me because this field requires analytical thinking and an understanding of complex interrelationships. The career opportunities are as varied as the tasks: Whether in research, in industry, as a consultant or as a lecturer - many career paths are possible with a STEM degree.

A company like schülke in particular offers the opportunity to get to know all areas of a pharmaceutical company, as research and development, production and quality control, marketing and sales are closely interlinked at one location.

If you are also considering a career in the STEM field, don't be discouraged by high requirement profiles. Follow your curiosity and dare to take on challenges. Contact women who are already working successfully in the pharmaceutical industry to learn from them and get support.

I have always been fascinated by natural sciences, so it was only natural for me to study biological sciences. When I started my job in the microbiology laboratory of a hospital, curiosity turned into passion. Every time I observed the glowing, acid-fast bacilli through my dark microscope and saw the morphology of the bacteria on the culture plates, I was simply impressed. I also found it very satisfying that my work contributed to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and thus improved the lives of patients.

What I appreciate about schülke is that all employees have the same opportunities here. I benefit immensely from the collaboration and knowledge transfer with my colleagues and the subsidiaries. My horizon expands every day.

To all women: If you are interested in a career in science or technology, follow your heart and take a chance. You will see that companies like schülke will welcome you with open arms. I very much hope that the number of female colleagues in STEM fields, especially in the APAC region, will continue to increase in the future.