Influential Woman · Direct Sales Consumer Goods

Meagan Eggebeen

Research Scientist, Amway

Ada, MI

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree BS in Chemistry Degree Grand Valley State University Degree Master's in Analytical Chemistry Degree Illinois Institute of Technology Degree December 2019 Member GOED (Global Organization of EPA and DHA) Technical Committee

Her Story

About Meagan

When I was a senior in high school, I took an intro to Organic Chemistry class through dual enrollment at our local community college. Being in the lab, I just loved it, and so I knew then that I wanted to do a job where I could work in a lab, like, in a chemistry lab. I got my BS in chemistry from Grand Valley State University, and after I graduated, I went straight into working. I started at Amway in one of the quality labs, and I've been with this company ever since I graduated - it's the only company I've worked for. I wanted to get more into the research aspect, and so to do that, I felt that getting an additional degree would really help me. I went back to school in 2016 and got my master's in analytical chemistry from Illinois Institute of Technology, graduating in December 2019. I got my master's degree while I was working and had two of my kids, so I was working full-time, plus becoming a mom, and then getting my master's degree, which really helps me in my career progression. That's probably what I'm most proud of.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Meagan

01What do you attribute your success to?

I love to learn, and I'm always open and ready to learn new things all the time. I think that drives me a lot to succeed and keep looking into new ways to do things, and never getting tired of working in the lab. I'm also never one to not ask for help if I need it. Being able to work individually, but then also having a strong team and being able to bounce ideas off them and work really well with them makes the job easier. That collaboration and willingness to keep learning has been key to my success.

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

I would say making connections is one of the most important things to do. Obviously, love what you do, but I think making connections inside your organization, and then also in related organizations or areas, is really going to be beneficial in the long run. The amount of times when I need something from another group - and my company is huge, we have thousands of people - but I'm like, oh, I met this person once here, and we connected, so I know who I can reach out to. That is so much more helpful than having to bounce around, or not knowing who even to ask to help.

Keep Exploring