Starting off my career as a bioengineer at Bayer
My name is Sebastian Heitmann. I work as a process engineer in Plant Engineering at Bayer in Wuppertal Elberfeld. After graduating from college with a degree in bioengineering, I first worked as a research assistant and doctoral student at Dortmund University of Technology, where I studied the purification of alcohols from fermentation broths. I also remained loyal to the field of biotechnology when I began working for Bayer Technology Services GmbH in 2014 as a process and planning engineer in the Plant Engineering department.
Today I work as engineer at the Bayer Wuppertal site on a major investment project for the bio-technological production of a blood clotting factor.
Starting out in plant engineering was exciting, …
… because I worked with experts in various disciplines, some of whom have years of experience in their areas of responsibility. In this field, you can really benefit from the knowledge of the “old hands.” Because the work is so interdisciplinary, my everyday job always involves new and interesting challenges in a variety of areas, from processing, process control and material technology, to construction site management and business issues.
Leverage the knowledge of experienced colleagues, …
… by asking, but also questioning, that’s my advice to young professionals. No one looks down on a thirst for knowledge, as long as you don’t always ask the same questions. If you are interested in a specific area, you can also actively ask for work or assignments in that area. An additional task may sometimes mean more work, but it could also be the first step towards an exciting, personal advancement.
Bayer offers me …
… an exciting job in a life sciences company that provides diverse opportunities for development through its variety of products, international locations and positions. The demand for innovations and solutions for a sustainable future is another source of motivation, as is the good pay with numerous benefits, which enable me to perfectly balance work with my private life.
The most important milestone in my career to date …
… was the assignment in a big biotech project for production of blood coagulation factors, due to the numerous experiences gained.
Career success to me means …
…going to work in the morning with a smile on my face.
This post is also available in: German
