After joining AMCON INC. as a new graduate, she applied the chemistry knowledge she had acquired at university and gained extensive experience in water quality testing and environmental analysis. Today, she supports her team as a Sub-Leader. We spoke with her about returning to work after maternity and childcare leave and how she balances her career and family life.

A Career That Began with the Desire to Apply Chemistry

Q. Why did you join AMCON INC.?

I majored in chemistry at university, so I wanted to pursue a career where I could apply that knowledge.
During my job search, I attended an AMCON INC. company information session and learned that the company worked with sludge dewatering presses, equipment I had never known about before. I also discovered that I could use the chemistry knowledge I had studied, and that was when I thought, “This sounds interesting.”
Today, my work focuses primarily on water quality testing. I am responsible for a wide range of activities, from analyses using instruments such as gas chromatographs and ion chromatographs to manual wastewater analysis conducted without analytical instruments. I also coordinate sampling schedules, prepare quotations for customers, and handle sales-related correspondence. One distinctive aspect of the role is that I can be involved throughout the entire process, from consultations on testing items to follow-up after test results are delivered.
As a Sub-Leader, I continue to work as an active contributor while also providing guidance to junior staff and coordinating work assignments.

The Reward Comes from Providing Customers with Peace of Mind

Q. When do you find your work most rewarding?？

Customers often ask questions such as, “Are these results acceptable?” or “What should we test for?” When I can explain things in my own words and hear responses like, “That puts my mind at ease,” or “I’m glad we had the testing done,” I find my work very rewarding.
Water quality analysis is not a highly visible profession, but the results directly influence customers’ decisions and safety. The findings can also help identify the causes of problems, and when I feel that my work has contributed in those situations, I truly recognize the value of this profession.

The Ease of Working Here, Realized Through Maternity and Childcare Leave

Q. You have taken maternity and childcare leave. Please tell us about the support you received after returning to work and how you balance work and family life.

Before starting maternity leave, I unexpectedly found myself in tears on my last day at work. At that moment, I realized that I loved my job even more than I had thought. Since returning, there have been times when I have had to leave early because of my child’s sudden fever, but I am truly grateful for the warm support I receive. Because of that experience, I want to provide the same level of support when younger colleagues face similar situations.
To be honest, balancing work and family is not easy, but thanks to the understanding and support of those around me, I have been able to continue working. Since my available working hours became more limited, I have changed my mindset by setting clear priorities and having the courage to let go of things that do not need to be done today. My child may have had to be patient at times, but when I received a letter saying, “Thank you for always working so hard,” I felt that showing my child the value of working also has meaning.

Striving for Accurate and Trusted Analysis

Q. What are your goals for the future?

I would like to further deepen the experience I have gained so far and continue enhancing my analytical skills and knowledge. No matter how many years of experience I accumulate, there are still times when I feel there is more to learn, so I want to continue developing my expertise and pursuing greater mastery.
What I consider especially important is understanding the meaning behind numerical values and further strengthening the system that enables us to provide customers with accurate and consistent results.
I believe it is important not only to produce results but also to understand why a particular value appears and to develop the ability to recognize abnormal values.
Although it is a fundamental responsibility for an analytical company, continuing to provide accurate and reliable analytical results is our most important role. To firmly support that foundation, I would also like to strengthen the capabilities of the entire team.