From petrochemicals to pharmaceuticals: Eva's journey as a sterilization validation project engineer

Since the end of April 2018, Eva Van Cluysen has been a part of the A-Team. With a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Leuven, Eva made the transition from the petrochemical industry to the pharmaceutical sector. We spoke with her about her career, her role with the client, and her experiences at Advipro.

Why Eva loves going to work every day

Eva starts her workday with a smile, especially after she slept well. "What I love about my job is the variety," she says. "My tasks change daily, and I have a lot of freedom in my role. As an EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) coordinator, I have a multifaceted position that allows me to engage with many different aspects of the work." This variety and the opportunity to constantly take on new challenges keep her motivated.

A typical workday

A typical day for Eva usually starts at the office, although she also has the option to work from home. Her project mainly focuses on sterilization validation, a crucial process in the pharmaceutical industry. "Currently, I am working on validating autoclaves in a new facility, which means I am starting entirely from scratch. My tasks include writing protocols to test whether the autoclaves are effectively sterile. This involves placing sensors, such as thermocouples, at different locations to monitor temperature and other factors."

Eva explains that she frequently has meetings with engineering teams to discuss and align the protocol with the requirements. "I also often go to the production area to understand which changes are being implemented and how they impact the sterilization process. It’s my responsibility to ensure all changes are correctly tested and documented. This requires a lot of collaboration with various departments to make sure everything runs smoothly."

The best part of Eva's job

For Eva, it’s the flexibility and variety that make her work appealing. “The freedom to make my own schedule and the constant variety in my workday keep me motivated,” she says. These elements provide her with mental stimulation and challenge, something she missed while working as a lab technician.

When Eva feels her day is succesful

Eva considers her workday successful if she can go home without stress. “When I leave with a good feeling and experience no stress, I know my day was a success,” she explains. This sense of fulfillment is crucial for her to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Team collaboration

At the client’s site, Eva works alongside other Advipro colleagues, which strengthens the sense of a collegial atmosphere. “Having colleagues from the same consulting company creates a bond. We easily connect and support each other whenever needed. Sometimes, we go for a drink together after work, which enhances the team spirit,” she says.

Proud of personal growth and development

Eva is proud of her professional growth since transitioning to the pharmaceutical sector. “Every experience and project has taught me more about the industry, leading me to where I am today. I’m truly happy with my work here,” she says. She emphasizes the importance of personal development and regularly attends training sessions to further enhance her skills.

Challenges and work-life balance

Eva finds ample challenge in her role due to the constant influx of new projects and the variety of her work. “The challenges come from all sides, including my personal situation. This keeps me focused and engaged,” she says. Regarding work-life balance, Eva feels it is well-managed, thanks to flexible remote work options and understanding of busy periods.

A valuable tip for future colleagues

Eva advises future colleagues to be assertive. “Assertiveness is important, especially in stressful situations. It helps prevent issues and improves communication. Sometimes, you need to be able to put things in perspective and laugh them off, because not everything always goes as planned.”