Getting to Know Our Experts - Vaishali Shah

Vaishali Shah is one of our Scientific Area Sales Managers for Veolia Water Technologies (VWT) UK, covering London and the South East. After taking on a variety of scientific roles in both the UK and the United States, she has brought a range of valuable experience and skills to the position. Here, Vaishali explains what led her to VWT UK and reflects on the challenges she has faced just six months into the job.

Could you tell us about your education, career history and what lead you to VWT UK?

My university education began with an undergraduate degree in natural sciences, which included a mixture of chemistry, biology and pharmacology. After that, I followed my passion, completing a Master’s degree in forensic science, which helped me to get my dream job - working for the Forensic Science Service. I stayed there for three and half years until my husband got a job in Los Angeles in 2006, meaning we had to relocate. 

Over the course of the following 16 years, I took on a number of scientific and research positions, before starting a business with my husband in a completely new field - art workshops. However, I really missed being in the laboratory and eventually started working for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles as a Clinical Laboratory Technician. 

Finally, after what was meant to be just one year in the U.S, we moved back to the UK last year. I wanted to continue in a scientific field but ideally not in a lab-based environment this time and I saw that VWT UK was looking for a new Scientific Area Sales Manager. I stepped into that role in January this year.

How has your previous experience informed and prepared you for your current role?

My educational background is crucial. Primarily because the products and services we offer provide solutions for the scientific community. My laboratory training and experience also helps me to communicate effectively with lab managers and other scientists, which is a key part of the job. 

However, I think it’s through the art business where I gained a good solid grounding in customer interaction experience – a key component of any sales role. Finally, in my role at the children’s hospital, there were only two of us working together meaning I had to use my initiative to deliver on tasks. In this role, it is quite similar – I’m often working from home and have to be proactive to make sure I can meet my goals.

Was there a particular aspect to this role that you found attractive?

Ultimately, this role allows me to use my scientific background and experience without being tied to a lab setting; allowing me to travel and meet a variety of people. I liaise with lab managers and other scientists,  building contractors and even architects for new build projects. That’s because we try to have an impact during the early design stages of a project - so that we can improve a building’s water infrastructure. 

Some people don’t necessarily think about how purified water is obtained – they think it just comes out of a tap! This has given me the opportunity to help people understand that water treatment is a detailed and complex process, which is another aspect I have enjoyed. Furthermore, the customers I have worked with are very appreciative of VWT UK, which certainly makes my life easier.

Why did you want to work for VWT UK?

I’m someone who’s really passionate about wildlife and the environment. In the U.S, I volunteered to work for the Natural History Museum and was also involved with whale watching. When I looked into VWT UK, it was clear that the company is very environmentally aware and is committed to finding sustainable solutions. This really impressed me and made me want to get involved.  

What are some of the key challenges you face on a day-to-day basis?

As I’m still relatively new to sales, I have to be up to speed with my VWT UK product knowledge as well as understanding our competition and their ranges. This is a huge amount of knowledge and I’m still learning. The good thing about VWT UK is that I know I have the support of my wider team and colleagues – many of whom have been at VWT UK for many years. 

What changes do you hope to see within the scientific sector over the next 10 to 20 years?

I would like to see scientific centres continue to increase their focus on their carbon footprint. The industry has certainly come a long way since I have been involved, but I think there are certain areas where improvements can still be made.

To find out more about VWT UK’s Laboratory water Purification systems, please visit: www.veoliawatertechnologies.co.uk/markets/laboratory