Auditing: it's good to go global

What was your journey into quality and what inspired you to become an auditor?

My journey into quality began during my postgraduate studies in biology, where I was deeply involved in the laboratory practices. I love to investigate new things and learn the ‘why’ behind every process. While studying, I started to take the GMP (good manufacturing practices) and good laboratory practices certification courses and internal auditing courses so I would be more ready and confident after I graduated.

Following my postgraduate studies, I started work in a local pharmaceutical and medical device company in the quality assurance team. I needed to know what was going on in the quality control and quality assurance departments, and I started to become more interested in internal auditing.

There are a lot of medical device companies in the city where I was living then, so I thought it was a great opportunity to upgrade my skills in that type of firm. I completed an ISO13485:2016 Medical devices – Quality management systems – Requirements for regulatory purposes certification for medical devices through the British Standards Institution (BSI) and that was the first time I heard about IRCA. In the same year, before starting my current position, I took the IRCA-approved PQMS Training to be part of that scheme and then started to conduct audits.

Basically, I love to investigate – it's like being a detective, but in companies! The aim is always to help improve the processes, and if something needs to be improved then to help with making the system work better.

How is quality perceived in your country?

I moved to Hungary about six months ago for my current job, but in Turkiye, where I come from, the perception of quality has evolved significantly, especially after COVID in regulated industries such as pharmaceutical and medical devices.

While compliance is a core focus, the shift is increasingly moving towards a culture of continuous improvement and risk-based thinking. However, there is still room for growth in quality as a proactive value, and a proactive business tool, rather than just a reactive obligation.

Why did you decide to become a member of IRCA?

I want to be a recognised auditor for my future career, but the main reason was to increase my network and improve my skills by connecting with other, very skilled members across the globe, not only in Turkiye. I saw on the IRCA website that there are a lot of training materials and a network to connect with people.

"Basically, I love to investigate – it's like being a detective, but in companies! The aim is always to help improve the processes, and if something needs to be improved then to help with making the system work better."

Gulsah Tekatli, Quality Services Manager, Third Party Audits, Hungary

How did you find the process of applying?

The process is really good and very easy. The whole process is written on the web page and there is also a YouTube video, detailing every step. Whenever I had a question, I knew there was always someone there to ask during the whole process.

In my job, there are different kinds of standards that I use daily, such as ISO 9001 and GMP, so before taking the training, I took the advice of the global quality team on which training I should do and what are the next steps. The team were always so helpful and friendly and very quick to reply to my emails.

Who's been your inspiration in your career and what kind of work ethic has that instilled in you?

After my first job, I took another role in a global company in an audit team where I was responsible for the audit inspection readiness of the company. I was an internal auditor and a third-party auditor as well. We had a lot of auditors visit us and I could easily observe them.

I was really inspired by one of those auditors so I asked her to become my mentor. She is one of my greatest inspirations because she taught me where to start, how to start, what I should do in what cases. Her attention to detail, and her volunteering to help me, was so meaningful for me; it helped my career development and helped me get to where I am today. I moved to Budapest six months ago specifically so I could work full-time in audit management.

What is the next professional goal you're working towards?

My next goal is to become a Lead Auditor in IRCA. I have made my personal development plan for this year, which includes the kinds of different audits that I should take and conduct to be a part of that. I am also really focused on experiencing different standards as well, so I can audit more than one product or standard. I want to improve my skills and knowledge so I can be more confident as an auditor of different standards.

I am also interested in using artificial intelligence (AI) tools in audit preparation and CAPA management, as well as post-audit activities – how it can be integrated. As a long-term aim I want to be able to contribute to strategic projects about how to improve audit systems with AI or Power BI.

What would be your advice, or perhaps some top tips, for other auditors – particularly those based outside the UK – who might be thinking of joining IRCA?

My advice is to embrace international standards and embrace international communities. It is always a good option to be part of a community, to get help and be mentored, to get some new perspective in your career, and to get advice.

Also, invest in approved training; my best investment in myself is with training, so, invest in yourself. Build a strong audit portfolio and get different kinds of perspectives on audits. Join global discussions, and don't hesitate because of geography – there are people from all around the world in IRCA.

Auditing is a global community, open for all, so focus on yourself and your future.