Niamh Coleman, Process Engineer, Johnson & Johnson

Degree subject BEng Biomedical Engineering (Cork Institute of Technology)
Job title Process engineer
Employer Johnson & Johnson

Why did you decide to apply to
Johnson & Johnson?

As I was completing my final year my
ambition was to secure a graduate
programme that would enable me to
gain experience in multifunctional
departments within the Biomedical
sector. My decision had also been
influenced by having completed my
college work placements at DePuy
Synthes. I was, and I continue to be, very
impressed by Johnson & Johnson’s
credo, which fits in with my core values.
This post graduate programme offers
well planned and challenging
rotations which allow us as graduates
to build a strong career foundations.
There is also an emphasis on personal,
professional and leadership
development which enables
graduates to accelerate their career
growth. This is very important to me.

What is your job now?

I am currently on my second rotation as
a Process Engineer in Operations. In this
role I provide daily support to the
manufacturing process and I am
responsible for driving process
improvements to ensure quality, safety,
service and efficiency. I am constantly
engaging and collaborating with crossfunctional
teams and production
associates to solve problems leading to
better outcomes. Through virtual team
participation I am working on projects
to ensure alignment and best practices
within our global sites. I completed my
first rotation in Engineering in New
Product Introduction where my role
was to lead the development of a
finishing manufacturing process for a
new product launch. For my next
rotation I have chosen a rotation in a
Commercial area. This will enable me to
develop a better understanding of our
end to end supply chain and our
customer. My responsibility will be to
implement a new stock inventory
management solution within a hospital
setting.

Tips

• Search for a University Hire
  Programme with a company that you
  want to work for.
• Ensure that you are aware of the
  closing deadlines.
• Be up to date with your CV.
• Get your application in early.
• Follow through on the various
  application stages.
• Have a reference from college and a
  previous employer.
• Be well prepared and have your
  research done on the company.
• Be punctual and well presented.
• Contribute at the assessment centre
  and be yourself.
• Be passionate, friendly, open and
  engaging when you meet people
  though the hiring process.

How do you hope to see your career
developing?

Currently I am enjoying the experience
of working within diverse work
environments. I find it very interesting
dealing with a great variety of people
with many different skills and
personalities whom I am constantly
learning from. I hope that the diverse
experience that I am gaining through
this graduate programme will prepare
me for a future leadership role.

What advice would you have for
students?

When it comes to choosing a career
path we need to take time out to reflect
and think about our talents, interests
and personal values. It is very beneficial
to have an open mind to new
experiences that can enhance
ourselves. I found that I have better
learning outcomes from areas which
are outside of my comfort zone. Always
ask for advice and help no matter what
position people hold. I have found that
people are delighted to share their
knowledge and experience with me. It
is important to have an inquisitive mind
and to seek knowledge relating to your
interests and your career as there is
something to learn from everyone you
meet. Build your network of people
during college and in industry as this
will often lead to new opportunities.
Find your passion and follow it.