Connecting people, sharing knowledge
At 3PBIOVIAN, we strongly believe in the value of people, continuous learning, and cross-team collaboration.
With these principles in mind, we present our 3PBIOVIAN MOBILITY PROGRAM, an internal initiative that connects our teams in Finland and Spain through temporary stays in each other’s sites.
The main goal of the program is to encourage the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and best practices, while promoting a deeper understanding of the different ways of working across locations. This initiative also helps strengthen our corporate culture, making it more unified, diverse, and collaborative
Today we present Emmiliisa Vuorinen and Salla Valtonen experiences!
Emmiliisa joined 3PBIOVIAN in February 2022 as a Chemist in the Solution Preparation team.
Emmiliisa’s role primarily focuses on resolving any issues within team. She is also responsible for writing batch records and reviewing them once the batch is complete, training in visual inspection and coordinating everything before and after solution batch preparation—including SAP, LIMS and scheduling requirements.
Salla joined 3PBIOVIAN in November 2021. She started as an Analytical Scientist in the Bioanalytical QC team. During her time with the company, she has expanded her expertise to other areas, such as participating in the management of outsourced analytics and taking on the role of project researcher. At the beginning of this year, Salla was appointed as a Senior Scientist in the QC team.
Salla’s role primarily focuses on ELISA and managing various outsourced analytics, including analysis setups, validations and documentation for routine analyses—”together with my stellar colleagues”, as she says. A significant part of her work also involves regular documentation with customers and contract research organizations.
How did the EXCHANGE PROGRAM come about for you, and what motivated you to join it?
Emmiliisa: “A post was made on the intranet. I enjoy learning new things, meeting people, and I was interested in working in QC. I also wanted to visit Spain since I had never been, so I got excited and applied. After a few interviews and submitting my CV and introduction letter, I was chosen. Then I realized my passport had expired and I scrambled to renew it!”
Salla: “I haven’t been with the company as long as those who have been since the beginning, but I felt like I had a fairly good grasp of how things work at the Turku site. Still, I was curious about differences between sites. And honestly, the oppotunity to spend an extended time in Spain was a great motivator too! So, when HR surveyed the interest in this exchange, I enthusiastically applied!— it was an apportunity I coudn’t miss!”
Can you give a quick overview of your role at the Pamplona site?
Emmiliisa: “In Pamplona, my role was in the QC department, focusing on raw material specifications and critical material releases. My typical day involved writing and reviewing specifications with my colleagues, implementing them into the StarLIMS system, and handling the review, release, and issue resolution of critical materials and their certificates arriving at the warehouse.”
Salla: “My position in Pamplona was QC Technician in the Biological QC team. I’ve been working on validating Excel templates and plate reader protocols for analytical data handling and processing. Mostly this consists of reviewing documentation and code to ensure accurate reporting of the analysis results according to valid instructions. I’ve also had the chance to participate in preparing shipments and documentation for outsourced activities.”
What have you learned during your time at the Pamplona site?
Emmiliisa: “I was given a very throughout training on StarLIMS and SAP, with plenty of support when I first started with the new systems. I’ve enjoyed the work I’ve been given and I’m happy to have been able to help my team. I’ve learned a lot about material release—especially the specifications and requirements for both raw materials and critical materials in pharmaceutical companies. I’ve developed new skills in interpreting pharmacopoeia requirements and understanding the certificates that manufacturers provide with their materials. Moreover, I’ve gained a new level of confidence in myself. A few years ago, I never imagined I’d spend half a year working in another country. This opportunity has shown me that I have the ability to adapt to new roles and environments far beyond my comfort zone.”
Salla: “I’ve learned a lot! People have been very kind and welcoming, and I’ve gotten to see a nice variety of the work performed in the QC team. This have been an amazing experience that has helped me develop new skills, and I hope I’ve been able to contribute in return.”
How was your experience in Spain, and what aspects of Spanish culture did you find interesting?
Emmiliisa: “Spain has been amazing. I knew little before coming, but now it has become precious to me. I found the architecture really interesting and pretty— especially the castles, like the one in Olite, and the old towns. I also loved the unique small stores scattered everywhere; I found many things to take back to Finland. Pamplona is incredible, but I also enjoyed San Sebastián for its ocean and cooler summer temperatures—about 10ºC less! I even climbed a mountain, which I never thought I’d do, and visited a canyon, springs, and a desert. The fruit here is incredibly flavorful, and I’ve really enjoyed pintxos! It is a very fun way to experience multiple dishes in the same evening. I think my favorite is the fried ball which can have different fillings.”
Salla: “Phenomenal! Although at times the summer has been a bit intense for a Finnish person (and we also managed to take our vacations to Finland during the record-breaking heatwave there, whoops). Spain has a rich cultural history that we’ve learned a lot about it. For one, the pintxo culture is really great! It’s a shame that the cold month in Finland prevent us from implementing anything similar! There has been so much to see in Pamplona and outside of it, and I’ve definitely found some new favourite places.”
What are some cultural differences and/or similarities you have noticed between Finland and Spain?
Emmiliisa: “The biggest differences were between the timing of mealtimes. In Finland we eat luch really early (at 11 am!) compared to Spain. Spain is also livelier that Finland, I feel like the streets are always filled with people. The most amazing thing was seeing San Fermin and how there were so many people dressed in white with red sashes and scarfs. I also loved the fireworks! Apart from that, there are also a lot of similarities. I feel like people readily help each other here as well as in Finland.”
Salla: “It’s true that in Finland people initially appear more reserved than in Spain, but nevertheless in both countries I’ve found everyone to be really helpful and friendly. The daily rhythm was also quite different and got some time getting used to, especially since in Turku I’m usually an early riser who’s well on my way to be when Spanish people are just considering starting their dinner.”
Would you recommend this experience to your colleagues in both sites? Emmiliisa: “I would recommend this experience from the bottom of my heart. It was amazing and I met new friends and learned a lot. I’ve gotten help and support with every difficulty I’ve had, and people have been lovely to me. If anyone from Spain decides to come to Turku, feel free to send me a message. I will definitely give a tour in Turku and help with anything. I have gained new perspective for my work in Finland. I have new appreciation for everything that QC does to help with production functions and assure that the quality of the product is top notch.”
Salla: “Absolutely! I’ve gained new ideas and new perspectives. I think that this exchange program is an amazing opportunity for both sites to learn from each other and to take advantage of the strengths of each site.”
What advice would you give to colleagues considering joining the exchange program?
Emmiliisa: “There are two of our colleagues coming over from the beginning of September and I gave them extremely important practical advice: bring as much chocolate as possible. People in our office have loved the Finnish Karl Fazer chocolate, so I wish for everyone here to get a taste. Overall, my biggest advice would be to enjoy and not let anxiety or stress diminish the experience. If there is anything that feels problematic or worrying, ask for help. So simply trust the process and focus on learning and experiencing.”
Salla: “Do it! It might feel intimidating at first, but we’ve been cordially welcomed and have made lots of new friends during our stay.”