Description:
My official title is Field Service Engineer. In a nutshell, I work as a specialised field technician for a global leading manufacturer of high-end laboratory equipment. Our equipment is used in sectors like the health-, petrochemical-, agricultural- and forensic science industries to do various forms of chemical analysis.
Responsibilities:
- Installing new equipment in labs.
- Performing services and repairs.
- Training lab personnel on the use of the equipment.
- Assisting labs with new method development for specialised analysis.
Pros:
- Flexible working hours.
- Official training done abroad (Germany, USA and/or Australia).
- A lot of travel to the major cities (CT, DBN, PE) in South Africa.
- A lot of travel to all the countries in Sub-Sahara Africa.
- Everyday is something different – not a routine job.
Cons:
- A lot of travel – around 50% of the year I’m away from home, but only for a week or two at a time.
- Specifically trained for this job, so not a lot of other career possibilities in the same field.
Education:
- B.Sc – Biochemistry and Microbiology.
- B.Sc Hons – Biochemistry.
- M.Sc – Biochemistry.
Professional Body:
Not applicable.
Advice to someone interested in pursuing a similar career:
Most companies in this field require only a B.Sc Chemistry/Biochemistry degree, but will mostly allow and encourage further studies once employed with them. Once you’ve joined them they’ll train you on their specific equipment.
The travel can be a benefit and a nuisance – it’s always exiting to visit all the diverse countries in Southern Africa as well as other countries like USA, Europe, Egypt and Iceland. However, all the travelling can sometimes get too much, especially if you’re newly-wed or starting a family.
Willing to participate in virtual one on one contact sessions with readers:
Yes. (Click here to request a contact session)
Post ID: #200009