Meet Amin | Roche

I have always been interested in joining the Biomedical/Pharmaceutical industry. When I came across this RSTO Train & Place (TnP) Programme, I decided to apply as I saw it as my ticket to embark on a career in this industry.

I first started out as a Manufacturing Biotechnologist Trainee. I was able to observe the full process and later learn and perform the operations required for the production of the product. It was an all-rounded experience, as I was involved not only in Fermentation and Purification Operations, but also in Buffer and Media preparations. At Roche, I found that the culture is not just about work, there are also plenty of opportunities to participate in and organise cross-functional events, such as the quarterly All-Hands and the annual Dinner and Dance. Having the pleasure of participating as a committee member made these experiences even more meaningful, and they hold a special place in my journey.

The programme has supported my growth both professionally and personally. I worked with various departments to ensure operations run smoothly and also initiated improvement efforts that helped streamline workflows on the manufacturing floor. This made me truly appreciate the amount of work and collaboration required to produce the best quality products for patients. Personally, working in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environment has even influenced me to adopt healthier habits in my own daily life.

As the programme drew to a close, I was elated to be offered a full-time position within the same department. The process was smooth and swift, thanks to the immense support from the People and Culture team, which allowed me to transition seamlessly before the programme ended. With my new role and expanded responsibilities, I look forward to contributing more and improving health outcomes for people, in line with our purpose statement: Doing now what patients need next.

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I deeply appreciate Roche’s supportive culture, where colleagues celebrate and guide you when you take on new roles or rotations. This environment has inspired me to embrace these values myself and given me the confidence to explore different business functions without hesitation. Supervisors also hold frequent one-to-one check-ins to ensure we are on track with our goals and well-being. Everyone is open to new ideas and provides opportunities to learn.

Looking ahead, I aim to gain full competency in the operations of my department. Beyond that, I look forward to exploring rotations in departments such as Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT), Manufacturing Quality Assurance (MQA), and the Zero Defect Team (ZDT) to gain more experience on the regulatory side of manufacturing. One day, I also aspire to take on leadership roles, guiding new peers just as I was guided when I first started.

To candidates who may feel hesitant about the 15-month programme, I would say this: while the duration may seem short, it is more than enough to gain a real sense of what the job entails. The onus is on you to seek out learning opportunities, but if you stay hungry for knowledge and experience, you will find the journey both fruitful and enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to reach out to seniors for advice when something piques your interest, they are always supportive of your aspirations.I joined the BPM FinCom team at the start of the pandemic, and despite being the only team member in the APAC region at the time and only ever having the ability to meet fewer than a handful of my colleagues, I very quickly felt at ease and never alone. This was mainly because we were encouraged to focus on topics beyond day-to-day work through various squads revolving around continuous improvement, socializing and well-being that has built a lasting sense of connection across our people.