It came as a huge shock when I emigrated from Ireland to Switzerland with my family. I was nearly 13, didn't speak any German, and was thrown straight into the career choice process in Year 7. I was completely overwhelmed. In Ireland , eight years of primary school are followed by five or six years of secondary school, after which you either enter the world of work or start a degree course.
Even my parents weren't aware that I'd have to decide on a career so early on. Fortunately, I'd always been surrounded by chemistry in my family. My parents work in the chemical industry, as do my aunts and uncles. Even as a little girl, I'd overhear conversations about chemistry at family gatherings, which sparked my interest.
The job interview didn't go quite to plan. I ended up at the wrong location.
After my 10th year at school, during which I was able to continue honing my German, I gave it my all in the Multicheck test. Step by step, I thus met the requirements to apply for a place as a laboratory assistant specialising in chemistry (EFZ) .
A second chance
I'd actually already received an offer from a chemicals company when I was given the additional opportunity to interview at Roche – the very company whose towers had impressed me as soon as we arrived in Basel. It was immediately clear to me: that's where I want to go.
However, not everything went to plan at the job interview: I ended up at the wrong location at first. What a disaster! I was convinced I'd thrown it all away. Fortunately, I was given a second chance. For the second interview, I arrived an hour early – and was better prepared than ever before. When I finally got the job, I felt as though I were floating on air with joy.
