The Newbie Experience: Elly Zhang and Zhaoqing Wang
In 2021, on average more than 300 new colleagues joined Sartorius every month at its sites all over the world. Two of them are Elly Zhang, Manager of Separations China, and Zhaoqing Wang, Product Specialist, who became part of the Shanghai team in the fall of 2021. Looking back at their first months, they reflect on their experiences and impressions as newbies, explain why they decided to join the company in the first place, and provide insights on why they recommend working at Sartorius.
This article is posted on Sartorius Blog.
Elly, Zhaoqing, you have both been with Sartorius for a few months now. Why did you choose Sartorius as an employer in the first place?
Elly Zhang: I already knew Sartorius as a leading partner in life science research and the biopharmaceutical industry, and I was strongly attracted by the company’s philosophy of "customer focus and value creation for the industry". During the decision-making process I, of course, learned more about Sartorius and its corporate values - sustainability, openness, and enjoyment – which resonated with me and became an important reason for me to join. I believe shared values bring us together and guide us in contributing to the sustainable development of the company as well as in achieving our personal goals.
I was strongly attracted by the company’s philosophy of customer focus and value creation for the industry.
Elly Zhang
Manager of Seperations China
Zhaoqing Wang: For me, it seems I have a close relationship with German companies. Almost all of the companies I have worked for thus far are German. I guess this has given me a deep appreciation for the high quality and standards that come with the famous - "made in Germany" label. Sartorius is also a company that wins with its quality and by its steady development. For example, I have a background in biopharma, and I know that our bioreactors are the first choice of many biopharmaceutical companies. I found this trust in our solutions to be very convincing when considering taking on the role as a product specialist.
What are your impressions as new employees? How do you feel?
Elly Zhang: What I feel most is the team atmosphere: it’s energetic, positive, and focused - the ideal working environment for people who want to move things forward. At the same time, the company is keenly aware of market opportunities and is constantly innovating. Everyone here embraces change in order to achieve shared and individual goals.
Zhaoqing Wang: There are three things that struck me – and they’re also about the work culture: The first thing is the team atmosphere. It is harmonious and the communication is smooth, which helped me a lot during the first weeks. I work as a product specialist for freeze-thaw and formulation filling. This is a new application for me. But this didn’t matter at all. My line manager and colleagues are very supportive, answering questions and bringing me up to speed as a newcomer. Secondly, I like the open and inclusive culture. The management pays close attention to what employees have to say and values their views and opinions. The third thing I noticed, is that everyone is full of enthusiasm for their work and support client projects even more passionately during critical periods, like the current pandemic.
My line manager and colleagues are very supportive, answering questions and bringing me up to speed as a newcomer.
Zhaoqing Wang
Product Specialist Freezing Thaw & Fill Finish
Reflecting on the time you have been here and everything you have experienced so far. Would you recommend joining Sartorius to a friend – and if so, why?
Elly Zhang: We have ambitious goals for 2025: growing our revenue to 5 billion euros. To achieve this, we will need an even bigger and stronger team of experienced professionals. You will find the opportunity to build not only the company’s future here, but your own future as well.
Zhaoqing Wang: Sartorius is a very experienced 150-year-old business with an open culture, happy colleagues and a strong growth perspective. It’s a place where you can develop your career, and I look forward to growing with Sartorius.
