Elena Boneschi
Your scientific journey
I studied Chemistry at University of Pavia, in Lombardy. Professor Maggi (LabAnalysis’s founder) was my Analytic Chemistry Professor in my third year.
Considering that my dissertation’s topic was on Analytic Chemistry, precisely about ICP air Indium speciation, my Supervisor Professor asked him to be my co-examiner. He then offered me a job position in LabAnalysis: I graduated on June 21st 2000 and 15 days later I already was an employee. It’s 20 years since!
I worked in gas chromatography until 2009. Later I passed to reporting office, first working on groundwaters and on soils. Ultimately, I was promoted to Head Department.
Who inspired you in your personal and professional life?
If I had to follow my passion, at the end of High School I would have chosen Mathematics. But, rational as I am, I opted for a choice that I was sure would give me greater security in the world of work.
Without any doubt my parents influenced me a lot because if they hadn't given me the education and the mental / character setting, I wouldn't be who I am. I am very stubborn and I got this from my father. I believe it is essential to be convinced of what is said and done; otherwise it gets impossible to convince others.
My motto? “Don’t argue with an idiot, he'll beat you with experience”. When I was young, I always wanted to be right when I knew I was, but now I’ve learned that sometimes you need to give up, even for your mental health. Sometimes you have to let it go because it's a waste of time.
Anyway, my friends influenced me too: they helped me to be the person I am today.
What do you love about your job?
I like its diversity. Every customer, every laboratory sample has its criticality. Every day is challenging – you need to solve problems and make it through the day. Staying in touch with customers makes me very accomplished of my job, especially when they compliment me.
Obviously, this would not happen without the help of my colleagues. Our team is made of 10!
Even if we carry out individual tasks (with different matrices and clients), we constantly help each other because, in addition to experience, everyone has their own way of dealing with situations and the comparison serves to everyone to grow and learn.
I was here before all my collegues so we've grown up together: the multitasking setting allows you to carry out projects smoothly and without hitches.
What attributes do you look for in people joining your team?
Without any doubt, new entries should be polite. Dealing with customers, I believe in good manners and in the willingness to work extra time to solve a problem or achieve a goal.
Other important characteristics are the desire to learn, the ability to confront and work in a team, helping colleagues in case of need.
Last but not least, organizational capacity is fundamental for us; in order to ensure compliance with deadlines and customer satisfaction. New entries are placed side by side with an expert employee, in order to be guided in learning the company modus operandi.
Stay tuned with Elena's progress in LabAnalysis!
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