Saloni Naik
Associate Director, Program Management, Engineering Program
San Diego
We are the makers of possible: Program Manager Gains Perspective and Comes Back to BD
Saloni Naik is a great example how you can “boomerang” back to BD – and be successful.
Her first time with BD began within the Life Sciences segment right after she graduated from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering. She found herself amongst a tight knit, highly intelligent and, most importantly, welcoming scientific community who helped her learn and thrive while providing several growth opportunities. Her education provided the solid foundation necessary to take on a breadth of roles like production planner, industrial process engineer, supply chain manager, and program management over the course of nearly nine years.
Saloni continued her learning journey within the Pharmaceutical industry by taking a role outside of BD for a little more than two years. While the depth and intricacies of her new world was exciting, engaging, and promising, Saloni realized her engine for growth was fueled by BD’s support system, a system designed for empowerment with a deep-rooted personal and professional alignment of values.
Saloni says: “My two years outside of BD gave me a lot of perspective by conducting a brutal appraisal of my professional career that further led me to understand the key factors that bring out my strengths and help me become my best self at work – all of which led me back to BD.”
Parents Influence Helps Shape Career
Saloni grew up in Bangalore, India, and explained that STEM careers are considered the honorable paths, the ones that would help you build a solid, stable future (something that middle class families in India aspire for their children to have). Hence, the obvious choice was either a doctor or an engineer (reputable, durable, and intellectual). Saloni actually had a different career path in mind, one more creative in nature.
“In high school, I loved working for the school newspaper and enjoyed creative and journalistic writing. As I was graduating high school, I had started to move in that direction to pursue my interests and gain my education in journalism. I had strong grades that gave me plenty of options, but my family encouraged me to stay the STEM path. Taking all the guidance from my family, I assessed all of the engineering majors and was drawn to Industrial Engineering as it was central to my creed of ‘continuous improvement’ and ‘breadth of knowledge’,” she said.
Finding her fit with the Right Degree
Saloni graduated from BMS College of Engineering with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering in 2007. She went straight into her master’s degree in 2008 at the University of Florida. As she reflects on her degrees, she believes firmly that an Industrial Engineering degree was the right decision for her as it’s a nice blend of a broad set of knowledge.
“I have this desire to keep learning as much as I can in this space. I’m not the type of person who desires to be an expert in only one thing, but rather to have broad knowledge across many different areas, which is why my degree is so fitting for me. This foundational education has helped me define my circle of competence – the one that honed my skills in connecting the dots and finding running threads in variety of topics, deriving operational precision in an ambiguous environment and analyzing facts and figures to address root of the problems. Interestingly, it has also helped me navigate my personal journey as an immigrant – in developing frameworks that will help me shape my personality and integrate all different parts of me and my story,” Saloni said.
Describe What you Do at BD to Family and Friends
As an Associate Director of Program Management within the Medication Management Solutions (MMS) R&D Program Management Office (PMO), Saloni’s role is to support new product development, as well as sustain current products and solutions. This requires understanding customer needs both now, and in the future, understanding market needs overall, and how to ensure BD MedTech solutions are innovative and support the needs of end patients.
“BD is such a great fit for me. Our culture is one where we are genuinely passionate about the MedTech industry and contributing to advancing the world of healthTM. I feel like it’s a place where passion and purpose are fully aligned for me. So, if you are looking for a place to have a fulfilling career, one where you experience generous mentorship, endless opportunities for learning and growth, all while contributing to a strong purpose, then BD is the right place for you,” concluded Saloni.
