To foster better connections and learn about the experiences of our new colleagues during their initial months at SynTech Research Group, we interviewed three team members about their first impressions of the company.
Meet Our Colleagues:
Mike Niedbalski: As a Regulatory Expert, Mike has been with SynTech since April 2024. He is based in Delaware, United States.
Paula Salmazo: Paula is a Technical Specialist in Produuuct Registration and she joined SynTech back in June 2024. She is currently based in Piracicaba, Brazil.
Laurent Lenoir: Laurent is a Study Technician and joined SynTech in August 2024, he is based in La-Chapelle-de-Guinchay, France.
What made a good impression on you when you started at SynTech?
Mike: The people that I work with. From Day 1, my team has been very helpful with getting me onboard and helping me get adjusted to my new role.
Paula: The warm welcome from colleagues and the support during the integration process made me feel very comfortable. The clear communication of my responsibilities from the start was also very positive.
Laurent: The welcome I received from all the staff. The working environment. The challenge, as this lab is a new one.
How are you settling in SynTech so far?
Mike: I think I am settling in well. Being at my previous company for almost 20 years, it is an adjustment. Every company has different programs or systems they use, so still trying to get up to speed with everything.
Paula: I’m adapting well so far, especially due to the good support from the regulatory team and the support from the HR team, which has helped me to better understand the company’s processes.
Laurent: I am feeling very good despite having worked previously in another industry. I worked for more than 27 years in food logistic, so it took some learning in the beginning, under GLP Management. Thanks to the help and the very good management I received since I came, I am becoming better day after day. I have to!
Any recommendations to newcomers?
Mike: Ask questions if you don’t know the answer. When you start a new job, there will be A LOT of things you won’t know at first so give yourself grace if you make mistakes at the beginning. It is a part of starting and learning a new job.
Paula: I would recommend that newcomers focus on learning about the company culture right from the start and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Collaboration between teams is highly valued, so it’s good to get involved early on.
Laurent: Don’t be afraid and be motivated! SynTech Research builds team spirit which you’ll appreciate. We spend a third of our life at work, so it’s important to find a “family” in there.
Was there a challenge that you had to face coming into the company?
Mike: Being set in my ways a bit. Like I said, I had been with my previous company a long time and knew my job well. Starting a new place is intimidating sometimes because you are the new person and don’t know as much as some of the people that you work with.
Paula: Adapting to the internal system was smooth, with the help of the leadership giving clear instructions on their expectations and support from colleagues I was able to adjust quickly.
Laurent: As mentioned above, I changed industries, so it took some professional retraining first at first. It took some learning to understand it all. Also, I now am in charge of many different tasks, which is a big responsibility and I’m aware of that.
What do you like most about working at SynTech?
Mike: The work/life balance that it allows me. I also very much enjoy the regulatory work that I do. It is fulfilling to finish a project and submit it to the agency.
Paula: What I like most about the company is the collaborative environment and the focus on continuous development. The opportunity to work with multidisciplinary teams (Efficacy and Residue areas) has been an enriching experience.
Laurent: 3 main things: The people I work with, especially the HR department; the autonomy; and trust I’m given.
Any other comments/input you wish to share?
Mike: I think SynTech is a great place to work.
Paula: Syntech has realistic and well-founded growth plans for the future, I believe in the sustainable growth of our business unit and especially of the regulatory team in Brazil.
Laurent: “Come as you are, as you were, as we want you to be, as a friend not as an enemy and take your time but hurry up !!”