Career Milestone: Rebeca Lugo

I joined Johnson & Johnson because of its reputation as a great place to create an exciting career. I wasn’t disappointed. In my first two years, I rotated through several different positions, identifying opportunities to automate processes to improve efficiencies. As a recent graduate, I didn’t expect to be given such responsibilities right out of school, but was fortunate to be surrounded by leaders who not only believed in me, but who trusted me. Those first assignments established my reputation as a change agent.

My reputation for being an innovator led me to be assigned to a scientific department in technical operations, helping launch new products. It was a big job. Not only did I gain experience designing novel manufacturing processes, but I was directly involved in launching new products that could improve people’s lives – an experience that tapped into my own personal passion for helping others.

My experience working on new product launches opened up additional career opportunities. Supported by leaders in the manufacturing group who recognized my abilities, I was moved to a position where I helped perfect the process for producing a new diabetes drug for commercial use. It was an exciting, and rewarding opportunity. Beyond being challenged professionally, I felt I was doing my part to help bring a new, innovative treatment to patients.

My good work did not go unnoticed. I’m now entrusted to work on the team completing the biggest innovation in drug manufacturing in decades – a continuous manufacturing production line. All major drug companies make pills in batches. The new continuous manufacturing process we are developing will not only help solve the problem of forecasting the quantity of drugs to be manufactured to meet critical demand, but also give us the ability to release tablets in real time. Thanks to leaders who believe in me, equipped me with skills, and who trusted my ability to work on new and novel concepts, I’ve been selected to be part of this ground-breaking project.