Dalton is a technician at Grifols Therapeutics in Clayton, North Carolina. Dalton shares his journey from high school to his current role, highlighting the impact of the BioWorks class he took in high school. He details his daily responsibilities, including working in buffer prep and the importance of detailed reporting. Dalton shares his experience of adjusting to a rotating shift schedule and the pride he feels in contributing to life-saving work. Dalton advises aspiring biotech professionals to be passionate, dedicated, and curious.

Johnston Community College BioWork Certificate Program: https://www.johnstoncc.edu/programs/biowork.php

Careers at Grifols: https://www.grifols.com/en/careers

Eroica, a lab assistant at Austin Community College (ACC), discusses her journey into biotechnology. Initially interested in biology and graphic design, Eroica discovered biotech through a recommended course. Her role involves cleaning, material prep, and demos, which she enjoys. She collaborates with UT Austin on projects with students and highlights the importance of connections, citing a pivotal meeting on a plane between her father and a biotech leader that led her to the biotech program at ACC. Eroica advises students to seize opportunities and value connections.

Austin Community College Biotechnology Program: ​​https://programs.austincc.edu/science-engineering-and-math/biotechnology/

Darrin, a biotech professional at Conception Biosciences in Berkeley, CA, talks about his journey from being inspired by Jurassic Park and marine biology to his current role as an Associate Scientist. He highlights his educational path, including a break from undergrad, a return to City College of San Francisco's biotech program, and a stem cell technology certification. Darrin emphasizes the importance of curiosity, grit, and honesty in scientific careers, noting the rapid changes and collaborative nature of biotech research.

Careers at Conception Biosciences: https://conception.bio/

Lashanda, a manufacturing associate at Novo Nordisk in Clayton, North Carolina, shares her journey from Johnston Community College to her current role. Inspired by a field trip to a biotech facility, she applied and was accepted into a summer program. Lashanda discusses her daily responsibilities, including monitoring processes and sampling, and highlights the benefits of her job, such as a 401(k) plan and health benefits. She emphasizes the predictable schedule and the significant salary increase, which has improved her quality of life as a single parent. Lashanda encourages others to pursue biotech careers, noting the industry's growth opportunities and benefits.

Careers at Novo Nordisk: https://www.novonordisk.com/careers.html

DaMone', is a Lab Operator Level 3 at Emerald Cloud Labs in Austin, Texas. DaMone’ talks about how he got interested in biotech and how his role at Emerald Cloud Labs involves tasks dictated by software, including preparing stock solutions and running HPLC. DaMone' highlights the importance of internships, citing his experience at XYZ Laboratories and the University of Houston, which provided practical knowledge. He emphasizes the dynamic nature of biotech work, influenced by industry trends and contracts. DaMone' advises aspiring biotech professionals to network and seize opportunities, as his professional connections helped him secure his first biotech job.

In this episode of the Biotech Beat podcast, you’ll meet Natalie Marquez, a compliance audit specialist at Clinical Pathology Laboratory in Austin, Texas. Natalie shares her journey into the biotechnology field, starting from her education at Austin Community College to her various roles in the industry. She discusses the importance of compliance in biotech, her career progression, and the challenges she faced as a first-generation college student. Natalie also offers advice for aspiring biotech professionals, like participating in professional networking events and being open to different opportunities within the biotech industry.

Adia, a community college alum, discusses her journey into the biotech industry. Inspired by her family's involvement, she pursued a career in biotech, working at Humacyte, a 20-year-old startup in Durham, North Carolina. Adia works in 2D bioprocessing. She balances her role with studying online at East Carolina University. Adia highlights the importance of community college education, including her Biowork Certificate and associate degrees, in preparing her for roles at Grifols and Humacyte. She advises aspiring biotech professionals to persist, as working at biotech startup companies can be rewarding despite challenges.

Cesar is a former law enforcement officer who transitioned into the biotechnology industry. Cesar shares his journey from law enforcement to biopharmaceuticals, detailing his role at Novo Nordisk. Cesar describes the training he received, and the opportunities for growth within the industry. He emphasizes the importance of education and certifications in his career development and offers advice to those considering a similar career transition.

Takeaways

• Cesar transitioned from working law enforcement to working in biotechnology.

• Cesar works as an operator at Novo Nordisk in North Carolina.

• Cesar’s job involves monitoring and managing utilities for the plant.

• Cesar emphasizes the importance of training and education in biotech.

• There are endless opportunities for growth in the biotech sector.

• Cesar's background in law enforcement provided transferable skills.

• Cesar encourages others to pursue careers in biopharmaceuticals.

• The support from Johnson Community College was instrumental in Cesar’s success.