An Insider's Perspective on Analytics: A Q&A with Sevgül Gülmez

Today I have a very special guest for you, as the 1st interview of a series with experts from STEM.

Sevgül Gülmez from Istanbul, Türkiye was kind enough to answer all my questions regarding her expertise in the analytical development and analysis equipment. Additionally, we will be learning about how the workflow in R&D, quality control and quality assurance takes place, in order to support Generation Z in this area of specialty.

Q: Can you tell us about your educational background, dear Sevgül??

Surely. I started at Pamukkale University in the Chemical Technology Department in 2008 and graduated in 2010. In the same year, I transferred to Anadolu University, now known as Anadolu Technical University. Between 2010 and 2013, I accomplished my bachelor's degree in Chemistry as 2nd top student in the department. Additionally, I received Pedagogical Formation training at Y?ld?z Technical University.?

Q: What was your first (initial) career goal??

My first career goal was to become an academician in the department of Organic Chemistry.? For this reason, I had started a master’s degree, nevertheless at the end of two months, I had to quit because of?financial difficulties as a student.?

Q: So, when your goals didn’t work out, what kind of strategy did you follow??

When my goals didn’t work out as I imagined, I decided to work as a chemist in the industry. When I couldn’t find a job after 1-2 months of application period, I started teaching Science in a private class. I taught for about one and a half years as a teacher. And when I got a job offer from the chemical industry at the end of this time, I got back to my root profession as a chemist.?

Q: What can you tell us about your current expertise??

I have been working in the chemical industry for five and a half years now. I gathered expertise in the field of polyurethane manufacture for a year, and in glass enamel over four and a half years. In the companies I worked for, studies were carried out in the R&D and quality laboratory. I have gained experience in the fields of R&D, quality control and quality assurance. My last role was undertaking the role as QA & QC Chief and I have proven track record of my expertise with various analytical devices. My core expertise lies in the analytics, formulation, team leadership and quality management.?

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your work life, for example, how does a day in the laboratory look like??

Of course. First of all, I have to mention that my days are not routine at all, it is very dynamic and colourful. The reason for that is working in many areas covering Quality Control, Research and Development, and Quality Assurance. I was the Quality Chief in my last position and at the same time I was giving a hand in the the analysis in places where my team could not catch up with daily work, caused a more challenging and intense day, however fulfilling. And of course, it allowed me to improve myself more. But routinely every morning, my day started with making a work plan for my quality team. I had given priority to production if there were tasks from the day before or if there were products that needed to be produced urgently. If it was necessary to conduct trials Research and Development, I had approved it. I supported the Research and Development team at the point where they were stuck in the formulation work. I ensured that the raw materials, the intermediates produced, the finished products were tested correctly and I made sure of the validity of these tests. Within the scope of the tests and my experience, I had given the approval of the product or raw material if it was conform with the specifications, and if it was not conform, I would forward it to the relevant unit. I completed my duty in a day by examining customer complaints and took the necessary precautions.?

Q:Which devices do you mainly use in your tests and analyzes, can you tell us about your equipment knowledge?

In my work life so far, I have used X-Ray Fluorescence, Particle Size Distribution Device, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Spectrophotometer Color Measurement Device, Viscometer and moisture analyzer. I worked in the laboratory for a year for my graduation thesis and during this time, we performed intensive tests on the Cyclic Voltammetry device. I had taken also High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy devices as an applied course at the university. In addition to these, there are also devices that I have received training not only in work and university life, but also I have analyzed frequently using the equipment such as GC, UV, BET, ICP-OES, ICP-MS.?

Q: You mentioned quality assurance, and what have you done in this area??

At my last company, I evaluated all the tests that have been carried out since the establishment of the company, and adding my knowledge and experience. I carried out also standardization studies. I created a standard for each product group and raw materials and updated the instructions (SOPs). Conducted regulatory preventive actions in customer complaints apart from carrying out internal and external audits. If there were deficiencies in the reports submitted to us in ISO and customer audits, I contributed to the work done to eliminate these deficiencies.?

Q: What working in multiple departments has provided you??

Working in multiple areas taught me how important communication and coordination between units is. I learned that each unit is part of the whole system and that it is essential to work harmoniously between departments. I can emphasise that, this has improved my managerial skills.?

Q: What are you doing for your personal development currently??

I started an English course seven months ago and I still continue improving my language skills. I transfer my professional knowledge and experience to presentation slides in English to train Gen Z who is studying chemistry.? I’m trying to improve in the field of supervision as well to become a mentor. I do research and try to learn at the points where I see missing in my knowledge of analytics.

Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring chemists??

Always set yourself a long-term goal. If you have a long-term goal, life can’t control you, you can control your life. But it’s not enough to set goals for this purpose, you need to take action regularly to achieve your goal. Try to determine in advance the field and sector you want to work in. For this, you can try to get information from your colleagues in the industry or you can do an internship during the summer holidays. So you see more than one department in one industry. To cut it short, ask yourself:

“What kind of work or business life do I want to have?”

and answer this question. You will find what provides you with clarity and determination in your career journey through this answer.?

Keep your relationships good and have a proactive attitude.?

When you encounter a problem, do not talk about the problem, rather than ask

“How do I solve the problem?”

and concentrate on it. No problem in the world has been ever solved by complaining. So focus on the solution.?

Take care of your health. There’s no meaning in anything if you don’t have your health. Without your health, all the money you make, your successes, your career have no point. For this, I recommend that you take on an activity, do sports that will be good for your soul or body.?

I appreciate dear Sevgül Gülmez for her contributions to career development journey of younger generations. Thanks a lot, one more time!

As you have read yourself, becoming an expert in analytics is a challenging but rewarding journey. The field is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies is crucial.

Don't hesitate to contact also Sevgül Gülmez in case you have any questions on her expertise. And you know also how to find me ;)

Yours truly,

G?k?ehan Pürs?ken?

www.gpursoken.com