People at Sartorius: Rowena Zahn
“It doesn’t have to be a linear career path.”
In a world where taking time out to raise children or care for a family full-time is often seen as a setback, returning to work can be a demanding experience. After 15 years as a stay-at-home mom, Rowena Zahn rose to this challenge. Today, she thrives in her role as a Key Account Manager at Sartorius, helping scientists accelerate their research and find treatments for diseases such as cancer or Alzheimer’s.
This article is posted on Sartorius Blog.
Rowena’s sales career began in much the same way you might expect. After graduating in biochemistry, one of her first jobs was as a sales rep in the pharmaceutical industry. After having her first child she deviated from the career path, however. Enjoying the time with her newborn, she decided to focus on parenting for a while. The family kept growing, and it was only with the arrival of baby number four that they felt they were complete.
While looking after her children and taking them on walks, to museums and sporting events, Rowena always knew she wanted to relaunch her career at some point. “Finding the right timing was hard,” she says. “Spending time with my children was important to me and when they were young, I felt I could not juggle family life and have a career. I know that a lot of people manage, and I admire them for that. It is just different for everyone.”
Getting Back on Track
When her youngest child started school, family moved closer, giving Rowena more flexibility. She enrolled in a master’s program in Food Science as well as Business Administration at the same time.
Rowena enjoys a proud moment after the successfully defending her food sciences thesis.
On the sidelines - while her sons were playing baseball, or her daughter was at volleyball practice – Rowena was studying. “I was convinced that graduate school would help me make the transition from being a full-time stay-at-home parent to the workforce. I was right! It helped me to gain and deepen my expertise, get up to speed on technology, build relationships and take on leadership roles in campus organizations.” she tells. “Overall, it was a challenging, but empowering experience for me.”
Graduate school helped me to gain and deepen my expertise, get up to speed on technology, build relationships and take on leadership roles in campus organizations.
Rowena Zahn, Key Account Manager
In 2018, with two master’s degree in hand, Rowena was ready to start her first job in 15 years. But she had to face a harsh reality. “I was under- and over-qualified for every position I applied for,” she tells. “I was way too optimistic at first and didn't realize how hard it would be.” After many rejections and a few internships, she was finally offered an entry-level sales position in the food industry. “It was a grounding and valuable experience for me”, Rowena says. “It was a lot to navigate, but eventually I was able to work my way further up to positions of increasing responsibility.”
Graduation Day: Rowena celebrated her accomplishments with her family.
Embracing a Career With a Sense of Purpose
In 2021, a new opportunity came up: “The Sartorius hiring manager approached me and I felt an instant connection with her. I was impressed by the products as well as the company’s mission to help improve the access to health of more people – and I wanted to be part of it,” Rowena recalls. So, she joined Sartorius' Lab Products and Services Division to grow her career.
After one year as a Field Account Manager, she moved on to become a Technical Sales Specialist for the BioAnalytics portfolio, which includes products such as the Incucyte®, a live cell imaging and analysis system, and the CellCelector, an automated cell imaging and picking system.
Learn More About Biologics Discovery and Development
“Because of the complexity of the products, I worked very closely with customers. Many of them are scientists in the middle of clinical trials, conducting cutting-edge research, such as new cancer cell therapy treatments. Their work impresses me,” she says.
In day-to-day business, it is easy to lose sight of the impact our work can have. So, I find it rewarding to talk to scientists, learn about their work and needs and provide them with solutions to improve their project workflows - and speed up their research. So more people will have access to better medicine.
Rowena Zahn, Key Account Manager
Keeping on Growing
And Rowena’s growth path continues to evolve: Recently, she transitioned to the role of Key Account Manager for the Bioprocess Solutions Divisions.
“At Sartorius, there is a space to grow for those who seize the opportunity. I've met many colleagues who have grown with the company and have been able to create their own paths to success. Considering my own experiences, I value this quality in an employer ,“ she says.
Learn More About Sales Careers at Sartorius
“Beyond that, I especially appreciate the chance to actively participate in community building efforts and contribute to both the Sartorius Business Women Association and as well as the Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging Committee.”
Reflecting on her career so far, Rowena concludes: “When I was younger, I expected to start in a certain position and then you move up. But sometimes life is not like that. It was not for me. Sometimes you just must pivot and redirect - and your career path doesn't have to be linear. It's worth the journey and I can't wait to see where mine leads.
