Lyndsey Booth

"I've done a lot of personality quizzes over the years, and I always come out as somewhere between a police officer and a teacher. And it makes complete sense to me. I like to understand things before I make a decision. I think it helps when I explain my decision to people, I can do it with authenticity and people know I've made an informed decision. I like to be supportive, with my team, with my peers and with people from different teams, I want to help. I find it incredibly satisfying when I can help someone and they are grateful. I also love taking the lead, and I'm very strong willed. I am really passionate about my role, I strongly believe in integrity. If you're going to do it, do it right! And if you don't know how to do it right, ask. I always make time for people who reach out for help. I think it's something that should be encouraged more. "

"I work for a Contract Research Organisation that performs Quality Control testing on behalf of other companies. We test drugs, all types of drugs, from cough syrups to cancer treatments. Our lab teams test these drugs, and produce results. These results are collated into a report, and the Quality Assurance department check this report to make sure the drug is safe for people to take. That's what I do. I check the reports, and make sure everyone has done what they should have done. It's a very very regulated environment, there are loads of rules. As you'd expect, as this is medicine people take everyday when they are sick. Think of my job as like an Ofsted Inspector. I'm independent, and can report the truth without worrying about getting people in trouble. Helping people when things have gone wrong, and figuring out how to get things back on track. I love delving into data and problems and finding solutions. I am not a strong scientist, but I don't need to be in my role. I figure out the important facts (this is called critical thinking), piece them all together, and alongside the scientists, we figure it out together. I am good at my job because I've learnt how to be confident and lead, that means a team and also the conversations. I have also learnt how to communicate quite complex ideas really simply. These are all things you learn on the job, you don't need these skills when you start. Just a willingness to develop yourself! I also love working in healthcare, as I know, our company changes peoples lives. "

"I did Chemistry at University, without any idea of what to do afterwards. I applied for jobs in labs, and I started my career in the lab doing the testing of drugs (asthma inhalers!). I worked in the lab for about 5 years, and usually to work in Quality Assurance you need lab experience. I have working in Quality Assurance for >10 years now. A trainee QA role salary is usually around £20k. As I have progressed, I provide more of a consultant role now. I really loved working in the lab, but after a while it can get quite repetitive, as you have to follow really strict instructions bit like a recipe. So I wanted to stay connected to the labs, but not working in them. QA was the perfect move for me! "

"In my spare time I like to be outdoors. I found a love of hiking in the last few years, and really like to challenge myself. I often think I won't make it to the top, that'll it'll be too hard and I'll have to turn round. But I remind myself, I'm not competing with anyone and I will get to the top in my own time. It doesn't matter how many times I stop, so long as I keep going. My partner and I bought a house that needs a lot of work 18 months ago, and I have learnt so much about DIY and practical skills. I love getting stuck in, I've learnt how to lay flooring, how to tile, how to repair furniture, how to lay a patio, how to wallpaper. I may not be the most skilled, but I will always try. And sometimes even if the end result isn't perfect, just knowing that you did it with your own hands makes you see past any imperfections. "

"My job is office based, I'm either sat at computer or in meetings. As I am in a Senior role, some of my day might be spent helping/coaching my direct reports. My role is very reactive, so something could happen, and I need to be available to provide guidance on how to solve a problem. I spend a lot of time working on projects too. For instance a big project might be bringing new software into the business. My role means making sure it complies with any rules set out by the government for our industry. I lead a lot of meetings between my team (Quality) and the lab teams (operations). I try and highlight any Quality concerns, and get people to agree to do things. An important part of my job is communicating effectively, and negotiating! "

"A Levels : Chemistry, Maths, Geography, Uni: Chemistry MChem"