The Manufacturing Sector is one of those sectors that has been identified that will propel Uganda to achieve the Vision 2040, which will see Uganda transformed into an upper middle income nation.The sector creates products that improve the quality of life of people but behind the scenes are people who ensure that these products are of quality and serve their purpose in the lives of people.
It today's career spotlight, we caught up with Rebecca Atungoza, a Quality Control Chemist at Uganda Batteries Limited. This is what we asked

In a nutshell ,describe what you do as a Quality Control Chemist and what motivated you to pursue that career path?

I test samples from all the control process points along the processing line and incoming materials, record quality of products and provide feedback all in effort to make sure the assembled battery is ready for use as soon as it is fixed on a car or solar panels for the Solar batteries. 

I maintain and keep all laboratory equipment and machines in good working order and state of calibration in order to meet required National standards.Contributing to the formulation and participating in implementation of projects to improve product quality, and documenting the improvements realized.

About being a chemist, Bachelor of science technology-chemistry is one of the courses i applied for while joining university and fortunately got. But my dream had always been to be like my grand dad, a doctor but after sitting for my biology paper in A level, I knew I had to get plan B.  That is how i ended up in this field and there are no regrets. 

Rebecca in the lab at Uganda Batteries

What was it like finishing school and getting into your first jobs?

It was an incredible feeling. I was proud of me that all those years of hard work had finally paid off.I got my first job before i actually finished my last exam at University. I found a notice at the Deans Office with an opportunity to work as an Assistant Quality Controller in Steel and Tube Industries. I applied, was called for interviews and fortunately got the job. I worked there for about one and a half years before joining my current work place Uganda Batteries Limited (UBL) and it has been a place of growth for me. 

What interview tips can you share with someone currently looking for a job?

As one goes for an interview, it is important to be the best of who you are because you have to convince the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the position. One therefore needs to be confident but not too pompous, have some knowledge about the organisation, find a way of being interactive with the interviewer by keeping them engaged as you answer the questions being asked and most importantly being open to learning and be teachable

So Rebecca, is there anything cool about this kind of work ? Any challenges?

The chemistry world got me appreciating how different products are manufactured right from the raw materials, processes involved to the final product in this case automotive batteries. Some of the Chemistry that i had studied all those years became real (tangible) and actual which i find cool.

There are some challenges. Being a female, some male counterparts don't think we are capable of handling certain tasks since we are considered a weaker sex and as such male employees are usually given an upper hand.

Also if one is not patient enough, the work will eventually become routine , monotonous and in the long run boring. One needs to be ready for this kind of work. 

What skills does one need to be a Quality Control Chemist , how important are those skills and how can someone perfect such skills?

One needs to be very analytical because you have got to solve problems by making decisions that are sensible given the available information.

You need to be orderly so that you can have easy trace-ability of all the work you do.You've got to be a patient person with integrity and be well committed to the tasks. These skills can only be perfected with continued practice since we all know practice makes perfect!

How did school (High school and University) prepare you for the career you are pursuing today?

I did Physics, Chemistry, Biology at A level with the essentials at University being Chemistry and Physics.  The practical lessons especially in these two subjects  provided a safe landing since most of the tests i have to do at work i was familiar with.

Any rewarding moments that made you proud to be a Quality Control Chemist?

UBL has provided a great platform for my career growth for example it was great to be a part of the QMS implementation and ISO 9001:2015 certification team.  

So what is the future like for this career field? What trends are you seeing that are going to define the field 5 years to come?

Any parting shots for someone who dreams of walking on the same career path you are on?