Getting a Job and

Getting Ahead

Getting a Job and Getting Ahead

What skills are needed to compete for jobs in biomanufacturing?

•Appropriate education and experience

•Mastery of basic skills

•Scientific and technical knowledge specific to the job

•A successful employment history and relevant job experience

Getting a Job and Getting Ahead

1. Appropriate education

• Minimum: High school diploma or GED

• Companies rarely hire workers directly out of high school

• Companies prefer workers who have matured outside of the high school environment.

• Companies value a minimum of one to two years of college and an associate degree.

• Companies want employees with education coupled with prior work or military experience.

Getting a Job and Getting Ahead

2. Mastery of basic skills Basic skills include:

• Reading

• Writing

• Math

• Problem-solving

• Computer literacy

Getting a Job and Getting Ahead

• Applying your reading, writing and math skills

Reading status reports from previous shifts

Reading SOPs and equipment manuals

Writing reports and procedures

Using formulas to make solutions and dilutions

• Applying your computer literacy skills

Using computers that control equipment

Writing reports using word processing software

Getting a Job and Getting Ahead

3. Technical knowledge and skills

Applying scientific principles and technical skills• Growing cells

• Operating process equipment

• Analyzing production samples

• Purifying products

• Identifying microbial contamination

Getting a Job and Getting Ahead

4. Employee success skillsA successful applicant demonstrates the

ability to:

• Manage time.

• Maintain a safe and orderly work environment.

• Keep learning new skills.

• Follow procedures exactly.

• Keep precise records.

• Communicate effectively

• Work as a team member

• Solve problems, troubleshoot and improve the process

• Understand and accept the principles of good business

Getting a Job and Getting Ahead

A. Manage time

• Shows up for work regularly and on time

• Is willing and able to adapt to shift work

• Manages personal schedule to meet shift schedules

• Plans and organizes work and sets priorities

• Can attend to several tasks at once

• Completes tasks on time; keeps production on schedule

Getting a Job and Getting AheadB. Maintain a safe and orderly

work environment

• Complies with health, environmental and safety regulations

• Follows dress and protective clothing policies

• Assumes responsibility for safety of self and others

• Sets a good example for others

• Handles and maintains equipment and materials with care

• Follows good housekeeping practices

Getting a Job and Getting Ahead

C. Keep learning new skills

• Shows interest in learning new knowledge, skills and tasks

• Is resourceful and can work with minimal supervision

• Accepts that continuous learning is part of the job

Getting a Job and Getting Ahead

D. Follow procedures exactly

• Follows directions exactly as written every time

• Takes no shortcuts

Getting a Job and Getting Ahead

E. Keep precise records

• Keeps records that are accurate

• Keeps records that contain required details

Getting a Job and Getting Ahead

F. Communicate effectively

• Communicates clearly and shares information with others in a timely manner

• Understands what details coworkers need to know about a project

• Communicates effectively in person, whether 1-on-1, in group meetings or through formal presentations; and adapts the level of the presentation for the audience

• Writes effectively and clearly, with a concise business style

• Uses scientific and technical terminology precisely

Getting a Job and Getting AheadG. Work as a team member

• Recognizes individual contributions toward a common goal

• Accepts responsibility for team’s success or failure

• Accepts own mistakes and is receptive to corrections and suggestions

• Shares concepts, ideas and problems with others

• Coordinates own work and work of others

• Can conduct meetings and helps groups make decisions

• Is eager to share technical knowledge and willing and able to assist and train others

Getting a Job and Getting AheadH. Solve problems,

troubleshoot and improve the process

• Is willing to learn the manufacturing process and how different units in the plant work together

• Is sensitive to anything unusual in surroundings (sights, sounds, smells) and responds with appropriate action and communication to identify causes and solutions

• Suggests ways to improve the manufacturing process through proper channels, even when production is progressing without problems

• Knows and can apply a variety of problem-solving approaches and methods to determine causes and recommend solutions

Getting a Job and Getting AheadI. Understand and accept the

principles of good business

•Understands the need for profit in the manufacturing process

•Can identify factors within the manufacturing process that determine cost

•Can identify possible barriers to profit in the manufacturing process

•Can explain why pleasing internal and external customers is critical to a company’s success

•Is willing and able to interact appropriately with internal and external inspectors and auditors.

Getting a Job and Getting Ahead

How can you prepare?

•Get a job

•Join a club or student organization

•Research careers

•Understand the hiring process