Hi everyone
I'm working as a junior chemist at a contract manufacturer as my first job after college. At first I was thrilled to get this position because I knew I wanted to formulate and the title was chemist as opposed to technician.
However, I'm liking the job less and less as time goes on because of the fast-paced and stressful environment. It feels like our company is constantly biting off more than we can chew, like launching entire lines for big companies which means pushing 25-30 unique formulas from concept to finished product on very tight deadlines. As chemists we're sometimes asked to create/fix a formula and send samples out the door in less than a week if it's urgent.
My managers tell me that all contract manufacturers are like this and they exist to pump out products quickly. Have any of you worked for a contract manufacturer and was this your experience? I've also heard that brand companies have much longer product development timelines. I would like to work for a brand company but I've heard that it's hard to get your foot in the door and they often hire chemists only temporarily. What is your advice on working for big brand companies?
Thanks everyone
Comments
If Big company product development cycle time is approx 2 years.
In contract manufacturer - there is no product development only you have to change the active and cater to the client.
@CarbopolUltrez: Exactly how much experience do you have? ... this will all change over time as you gain more experience and exposure. You're not going to see anywhere near the variety of product development with a Brand company as you will with a contract manufacturer.
Working for a Brand company, oftentimes you will be working on the minutia of the same formula for months on end ... you'll long for the days of a fast-paced environment with a variety of different products to work on.
See website for details www.desertinbloomcosmeticslab.com
For now I will appreciate getting to touch a lot of different formulas and products.
I am doing the processing work and it is very very busy and fast paced.
My only recommendation would be to leave lol. The stress is high the pay is low and I work my ass off for barely any thanks.
I was in Pharmaceutical before.. I much more enjoyable industry but not an industry where I live. Good Luck! This page has offered some great advice.