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Women in Leadership Profiles
Name: Desi Aleksieva
Role: Quality Assurance Manager
Company: Aspire Laboratories
A bit about Desi: A 2009 University of York Chemistry masters graduate, I went on to work in the pharmaceutical industry, starting off in analytical chemistry research and development. I then moved into analytical technical development and validation where I worked on novel drugs for the US market and managing a team of analysts. Over a period of 3 years, I was getting more and more involved with Quality Assurance and I eventually took a position as a Quality Assurance Manager which I have now been doing for 4 years.
What is it like working in your company? Every day brings new challenges - I work with customers, suppliers and members from all departments so it can get very busy! Company culture where I work is amazing and this is so important when choosing a workplace – you have to be happy not only with the job itself but how the company fits with your values and how it can support your development and aspirations.
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field? I always enjoyed Chemistry at GCSE and A-level, and decided to study it at university. I did a year in industry to help me see what the pharmaceutical industry is like and I really enjoyed it.
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position? I studied Chemistry, Biology and Maths at A-level. After that I went to university and studied Chemistry for 4 years. As part of my uni course, I did a year in industry which was extremely useful and gave me an insight into what working in this field is like.
What do you enjoy the most about your job? Making decisions and making a change - everything I do is based on an assessment of risk to the safety of the patient. My role helps ensure that medicines that reach the counters at pharmacies are safe to take.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career? As a young, female manager who has led a big department for a number of years, I have had to overcome stereotypical thinking on a few occasions.
Why do you think it is important to have a strong female representation in your industry? As well as being great role models, women can see things in a different light and therefore bring unique ideas to the table. This enables better problem solving, which can boost performance . A wide diversity of backgrounds and equality in genders is so important in any industry – people learn from people.
What advice would you give those wanting to take a similar career path?
Get work experience and find something you are passionate about and can see yourself in for the rest of your life - that will make ‘work’ not seem like something that has to be done but rather something you enjoy.
