A successful career built on reaping what he shows
Robson Alves Ribeiro, Training & Development Manager at Amgen. Coming to Ireland was a challenging proposition for Robson – dealing with a new country, new culture and a new language however working with Biotechnology company Amgen helped him find his way in more ways than one. It has become one of those life opportunities that changed everything.
When Robson Alves Ribeiro, Training & Development Manager at Amgen, began working with the company in 2015, he nurtured a personal ambition to advance his career and help people who needed it most.
“I’m from Brazil, and I started working at Amgen as a facilities cleaner back in 2015. Amgen makes medicines to fight the world’s toughest diseases, and I’m based at its Irish manufacturing site in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.” Working hard to achieve his goals, Robson began his onward progress through the company.
“I was keen to progress my career, and I wanted to work for a company that helps millions of patients worldwide.”
In 2017, he transitioned into training and development, starting as an Associate in Learning & Performance and progressing to Senior Associate.
“Through a combination of hard work and progression opportunities, I’m now Training & Development Manager. This year, I’m celebrating 10 years in Ireland and with Amgen. As I reflect on what I’ve achieved, I’m reminded of the Brazilian saying, ‘Quem planta, colhe’ – ‘you reap what you sow.’”
Coming to Ireland was a challenging proposition for Robson – dealing with a new country, a new culture and a new language.
“A new job can be challenging at the best of times, so starting in a workplace with language barriers was more complicated than usual. Although I faced some initial challenges, I always felt supported and accommodated at Amgen. Throughout my journey, my mentors, the people who believed in me and who coached me, made my life easier, even when sometimes I could not finish a sentence because I had forgotten a word. Outside of work, Irish people are really welcoming. I have always felt at home here, which made the move from Brazil much easier.”
Support from within Amgen was crucial in those early days, as Robson continued to grasp his career opportunities as they presented themselves: “Amgen has supported me every step of the way. The company offers career development plans and multiple mentoring and coaching programmes that help employees reflect on where they are, what drives them, and align their strengths with the company’s evolving needs. This approach really helps you think about what you want to do next.”
Calling on the support provided by Amgen helped Robson as he developed his work and social networks.
“Amgen’s mentors also helped to transform my career. They supported me at the start when I faced language barriers – and they gave me the confidence I needed to pursue a training role. Of course, it’s not a one-way street: you need to work hard and deliver results.”
The company’s culture of inclusion was key to helping him achieve those life milestones: “From the start, I was struck by Amgen’s culture of inclusion. I believe that when you’re happy at work, you’re also more productive. As a gay man and an immigrant, I feel truly grateful to work for a company where I am encouraged to be my true self without compromise.”
The arrival of the Covid pandemic saw Robson lead the transition of Amgen’s onboarding programme from onsite in Dun Laoghaire to a virtual/hybrid structure within four weeks.
It was to become one of those life opportunities that change everything. “The pandemic marked a turning point in my career. While the world ground to a halt, Amgen’s facility in Dún Laoghaire kept making medicine. However, Covid regulations meant we had to overhaul how we onboard new employees.”
Robson led the transition of the onboarding programme from on-site to virtual/hybrid within four weeks.
“I’m proud that this new virtual model was so effective that other Amgen sites around the world adopted it. I was also delighted to win an internal global Amgen award for my contribution to the programme.”
In that age-old career process of ‘starting from the ground up’, he began to realise the benefits of hard work and education starting to pay off: “In my experience, starting from the ground up was the best way to grow my career. Learning on the job provided invaluable experience that supported my progression.
"Even in my early days working in a cleaning role, I didn’t see it as ‘just cleaning.’ I was playing my part in keeping the facility safe from contamination, knowing that we produce medicines that make a real impact on people’s lives. This mindset gave me a sense of responsibility for something bigger. It also shaped how I saw my role in Amgen.”
As part of his development, Robson was exposed to all parts of the business. “Biotech is a fast-paced industry, so I found it beneficial to understand what each function does and how they work together. Amgen has a very collaborative culture, which helped me build up relationships with colleagues across the business. It means that if I have a query, I can informally discuss it with a colleague in a coffee area or staff canteen.”
In his role as Training and Development Manager, he is drawing on these early experiences, especially when supporting colleagues on the floor. “That same mindset - seeing the bigger picture and understanding that we’re all part of something greater - was a game changer.” Now well beyond the cultural challenges of his early days a decade ago, Robson happily lists the joys of living in Ireland and working for Amgen.
“The best thing about working and living in Ireland is the people and the sense of community. It feels like we all look out for each other. The same holds for Amgen. It’s like my second family at this stage. The other important thing is that Irish people ‘work to live,’ not the other way around,” he says, adding that Amgen designs its policies to support this work-life balance. “On the days I work from home, I have more time to take care of myself. I might go on a long walk or visit the gym in the morning before work, cook a healthy lunch or take time to read after work. These polices mean I can make the most of my day and support my well-being.”
Living and working in one of Dublin’s most beautiful areas is another factor bringing a smile to Robson’s face: “I’m fortunate that Amgen is in Dún Laoghaire. It’s one of my favourite places to enjoy long walks by the sea, especially around the pier. On good days, I catch the sunset or have dinner in a restaurant in Killiney or Monkstown. It’s a beautiful area, and the environment contributes to my well-being.”
Looking to the future, Robson continues to realise his career ambitions, all the while working in a sector whose products impact so beneficially on people’s lives.
“Training & Development has grown since I joined, and I see plenty of opportunity to focus on what truly inspires me: supporting colleagues’ development, including future leaders. I care deeply about helping people reach their true potential because my journey is proof that development makes a real difference. I want to help build that culture further, where people feel supported, encouraged, and equipped to grow just like I did.”
Personal reasons also fuel his ambition to keep doing meaningful work at Amgen.
“Two years ago, I lost my aunt to leukaemia. She was like a second mother to me. Sadly, her diagnosis came too late, and she could not access treatment. Amgen makes medicines that could help patients in similar situations. That’s what drives me: knowing that what we do has a positive effect on people’s lives. I can’t ask for more.”
