A degree as a veterinarian does not typically lead to work at BASF. However, I switched my focus during my studies for personal reasons and therefore went into industry. After five years at a small company, I applied to BASF and got a job as lab team leader in the area of food safety at Agricultural Solutions. The change was quite a shock at first: This huge company with all its possibilities and complexity was a completely new universe to me. I learned a lot of new things and after five years I was asked whether I would like to come into toxicology, in order to research and develop alternatives to animal testing. I was quite surprised since I was not a toxicologist by training – I just gained basic knowledge during my veterinarian studies. But I found the topic so emotionally appealing that I immediately agreed. I have never learned as much as I did in the following six years. The scientific exchange with the colleagues, the further training and the ability to build a network and represent BASF externally made it really unique. Above all, I appreciate the fact that I gained an overview of the entire BASF portfolio, which is not possible in such depth when you work for a division. Finally, I was approached by Agricultural Solutions and asked if I wanted to switch to ecotoxicology. They were looking for a team leader who understands toxicology and many aspects of BASF and is well networked – and I was able to contribute all of this thanks to my work in research. I had to give up my expert status for the new assignment, but that didn’t stop me making the decision. Now I am team leader for the global Birds & Mammals team and, in a way, I have returned to my roots. However, the path through research has been worthwhile for me in every respect.