Influential Woman · Pharma Industry

Kajal Wood

Calibration Technician, Not specified

4Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical and Biomolecular Engineering Degree Milwaukee School of Engineering Degree 2019 Degree MBA in Project Management Degree UW-Whitewater Degree Graduating May 2025 Cert Project Management Certificate Cert Lean Six Sigma (in progress) Member Catalan Women's Network (pending)

Her Story

About Kajal

I was born in India and completed my high school there before moving to the States in 2015. That's when I started pursuing my Mechanical and Biomolecular Engineering degree at Milwaukee School of Engineering, graduating in 2019. After a few years, I decided to go back for my master's, pursuing an MBA in Project Management at UW-Whitewater, and I'm about to graduate in May. I've always wanted to work in a laboratory setting, which led me to work in GMP and GLP lab environments for over 5 years. I also worked as a field service engineer with Beckman Coulter, servicing equipment to help run lab assays. What inspired my transition to the pharma industry about a year ago was being able to help people live better lives and knowing that I'm making an impact. Today, as a calibration technician, I perform calibrations on a wide variety of laboratory equipment and assist with change control and other requests. What I love most about my work is the people I work with and knowing we all share the same mission of helping people live healthier lives. The support I've received from my supervisor and coworkers has helped me grow tremendously, as they've shown me the ropes and I've gained so much from learning from them, watching them, and shadowing them.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Kajal

01What do you attribute your success to?

I think knowing that I've been supported throughout my journey has been key to my success. All the support I have seen from my supervisor and from my coworkers, helping me learn things that I have not previously seen or worked on, has helped me grow tremendously. They have definitely shown me the ropes of the job, and I've gained whatever I've gained learning from them, watching them, and shadowing them. Having people who support you and help you when you first get started really shapes your journey.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say never lose faith, and always keep your head high, even on the days when you're feeling sad. Just take it one day at a time.

03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

What's most important to me is being able to help people and make an impact in their lives. In my work, I'm driven by knowing that I'm helping people live better, healthier lives through the medicines we manufacture. My mission for the future is to be in a management role where I can actually help other people grow in a similar fashion that people have helped me grow, perhaps even better. If I'm able to make sure that I'm improving people's lives in one way or another, that would be ideal. I want to empower other women, no matter where they are, even if they're in a different country. If they have the wisdom and knowledge to be able to break free from the barriers they are experiencing, giving them that opportunity would be my goal ultimately, just to be able to empower them somehow if they are in touch with me.

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