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Networking
I’ve come full circle since I last wrote an editorial, and am back at my kitchen table hammering out another. The travel schedule has been full of conferences, consulting, and recently I even took some holidays for some diving.
Interestingly, while in my island retreat, I couldn’t escape my job, the world of metrology. Breathing ‘Voodoo Gas’, or Enriched Air Nitrox requires the diver to analyse the Oxygen / Nitrogen mixture in his or her own tanks with the help of an oxygen analyser. Then the results are recorded into a logbook. My God, GMP by the sea… It’s always thought provoking to ‘calibrate’ the analyser with only ambient air as opposed to certified gasses to encompass the operating range of the meter. We are told that we have a ± 1% tolerance for the target mixture in our tanks, and I always question this methodology. Later in the trip, a fellow diver on my boat complained that his tank was ‘short filled’ until he determined his pressure gauge was biased by about –400 psi by using another gauge as a ‘reference standard’. He took a brief detour into my world, and I bit my tongue and kept quiet about the things I ponder when diving. The diving was great in any case, and I didn’t convulse from CNS oxygen toxicity and drown, so I fell within my own personal process tolerance, whatever that may be. He didn’t run out of air either, but did, banking on the conservative side, cut his dives short by the offset of his gauge… Pity – the calibration error cost him ‘down time on the surface’…
So, getting back to the target discussion, I have never written about a very important piece of our career – Networking. Specifically I mean conversing with others in our field. This can be colloquially discussed without the usual technical garb, and applies to so many other professions as well.
Just as we reference test equipment with standards, we should be referencing our own practices against others in our field. In pharmaceutical metrology, if we start veering too far from the generally acknowledged path of best practices (even where the regulations lack clearly defined methods), we risk demonstrating to our regulatory bodies that we’re out of touch, and can face additional scrutiny.
Simply put, the best way to establish a good networking list is to attend as many conferences and industry training courses as possible, and keep in touch with those you meet while you’re there. The list will begin to grow quickly, and you’ll likely run into the same colleagues over and over through the years.
I cannot stress how much practical information I’ve gathered and incorporated into my own metrology programs over the years by simply contacting those in my contact lists and asking for advice on best practices. If you feel that the issues you face in your own metrology realm are unique, you’re very likely mistaken, and the answers often lie with others in our field. Many of us, through our passion for metrology, are extremely willing to go out of our way to share our knowledge with others. At the end of the day, we’re simply talking shop, and so many of us love our profession.
After venturing into the world of consulting, my networking lists grew to unbelievable proportions. While I realize my case is atypical, I have seen time and time again through this medium the wonders of networking by those that have attended conferences, training courses, etc.
As time goes by, the natural course is to become increasingly involved with conferences, professional groups, etc. This is where many of us begin to hit an ‘S Curve’ in our career paths, for reasons of networking, continuing education, renewed passion, and recognition, to name a few.
I recall the chronology from initially taking part in the NCSLI (National Conference of Standards Laboratories International) Metrology Healthcare Subcommittee to chairing the same committee, and am amazed by the endless opportunities that have presented themselves. Collectively, we’re capable of tremendous input in this industry, and these are very exciting times. There are currently well over 100 members of that committee alone, all of which are in close contact. If you have not looked into orgs such as NCSLI, MSC (Measurement Science Conference), ISPE (International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering), etc., I would highly recommend getting involved. These are just some of the catalysts that create the low-hanging fruit that I’ve discussed here. This is where much of the cross pollinating in our industry occurs. I should also mention the proficiency round robins that dove tail out of these conferences as well. What a great way to gauge measurement practices with others in our field.
Companies who understand the importance of not only augmenting the effectiveness of their quality programs, but also the continuing education of their employees most certainly see the value in the regular attendance of conferences and training courses. They are some of the best means of continuing education available.
On a related note, the more I travel the world doing my job, the more I have an appreciation for the small degree of separation between us in the Pharma, Biotech and Medical Devices industry - perhaps one or two degrees in most cases. That said, expect to meet with people that you worked with in years past, and expect people to remember the things you do and say. Many of those that were entry-level back in the day are calling the shots now…
And as for career advancement, as the saying goes, it’s not always what you know, but whom you know, which only adds to the positives.
I hope to see you at one or more of these venues – welcome aboard!
Cheers!
Marcus
McNeely
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