Dream Job: Engineer

The scientific team of Dr. med. Ruppert develops new sunscreen products for the global market.

© Beiersdorf

Claudia Steikert does not build any bridges - or sits in front of the computer for hours to develop new cars. she is "Sunscreen researcher" at Beiersdorf. Together with her colleagues, she is constantly developing new, even better products.

The slightly different engineer

Bym.de: Mrs. Steikert, what exactly does a sunscreen researcher do?

Claudia Steikert: Within our scientific team, we develop sunscreen products for the global market. Consumers have high demands on sunscreen products: a beautiful skin feel, a pleasant application and the care of the skin are as important to them as the protection against harmful UV rays.



Bym.de: What makes the job so exciting for you personally?

Claudia Steikert: It is simply an exciting task to be involved in the development of innovative products and to deal with new tasks on a daily basis. For example, I am currently developing new products for 2009. And there is a whole series of processes in product development that require close cooperation with other areas. Until the finished product is on the shelves, a series of trials, tests and studies are needed that involve me. In the end, the consumer gets a product that is exactly tailored to his needs. And working with it makes the job so interesting.



Bym.de: Why did you even study engineering?

Claudia Steikert: I have always been interested in science subjects and have also enjoyed working practically. The laboratory experiments and working with machines fascinated me. Engineering study combines both and is exactly what I imagined.

On the next page: What Claudia Steikert advises young women who also want to become an engineer

Bym.de: Is the stereotype that almost exclusively men study the subject? How many women did you study?

Claudia Steikert: I can not say that exactly. I guess it was about 40 percent women.



Bym.de: And in the job? Do you find it harder to work as a woman in this job?

Claudia Steikert: No, not at all! Women are still more related to cosmetics than men. In this area mainly women work.

Bym.de: Do you have a recipe for success?

Claudia Steikert: The enthusiasm for the products and the fun of developing certainly contribute, but I do not have a real recipe for that. I think the success comes with the enthusiasm.

Bym.de: What would you advise young women who want to take up the profession?

Claudia Steikert: In any case, I would advise anyone who has the opportunity to study. No matter what degree of study it is. With a completed degree, the development opportunities within a company are often greater than with an education. Especially for my area a science-oriented study is important. Dealing with the raw materials and the technologies with which the development works, requires a sound chemical knowledge.

Bym.de: And in your estimation, is it a profession of the future?

Claudia Steikert: I would say that it is a profession of the future that combines practice and theory well. Developing new technologies for the consumer of tomorrow and following the given recommendations for cosmetic products will create a series of challenges for the future.

To person

Sunscreen researcher Claudia Steikert

© Beiersdorf

After completing her training as a biological-technical assistant in Lemgo, Claudia Steikert studied food technology with a focus on pharmaceutical technology and completed her diploma thesis on the development of an active ingredient-containing, sprayable cosmetic product. She has been working for Beiersdorf AG for almost five years and initially worked there as an intern, later as a graduate student. For three years she has been working in product development sunscreen and develops sunscreen products for children and adults.

Why you'll fail to get your dream job after engineering/the MBA | Ankit Srivastava | TEDxCVS (March 2024).



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