Juan - JCC Alum - Manufacturing Associate and Shift Coordinator

Juan - JCC Alum - Manufacturing Associate and Shift Coordinator

In this episode you’ll meet Juan, a manufacturing associate and shift coordinator at Novo Nordisk. Juan discusses his journey into the biotechnology industry. He heard about the Bioworks certificate at Johnston Community College (JCC) and despite initial job search challenges, Juan secured a role at Novo Nordisk because of a four-day internship in JCC’s Bio Blend program. Juan highlights the extensive documentation in biotech, the benefits of Novo Nordisk's two-to-three shift schedule, and Novo Nordisk's education reimbursement program. Juan advises aspiring biotech professionals to explore the field's diverse career paths. JCC Biotech Program: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/programs/biotechnology/index.html [https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/programs/biotechnology/index.html] Careers at Novo Nordisk: https://www.novonordisk.com/careers/find-a-job.html [https://www.novonordisk.com/careers/find-a-job.html]

Stephanie - MC Alum - Lab Tech

Stephanie, a lab technician at the NIH, discusses her career path from pre-vet studies to a biotech certificate at Montgomery College. At the NIH, Stepnhanie works with patients from around the world, processing blood and bone marrow for clinical trials. Stephanie highlights the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and being flexible in the workplace. She advises those interested in biotech to pursue their passions and embrace continuous learning, as her experience at NIH has been both challenging and rewarding. MC Biotech Program: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/programs/biotechnology/index.html [https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/programs/biotechnology/index.html] Careers at the NIH: https://hr.nih.gov/careers/career-fields/student-recent-graduate-careers [https://hr.nih.gov/careers/career-fields/student-recent-graduate-careers]

Devyn - MC Alum - Lab Tech

In this episode you’ll meet Devyn, a lab tech at Pharmaron in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Devyn was inspired by cancer in his family history to pursue a career in science. Devyn attended Montgomery College, where he learned skills like homogenization and traceability, which helped him secure his job at Pharmaron. Devyn advises students to embrace mistakes and maintain routines for better time management.

AJ - MC Alum - Quality Assurance Specialist

AJ is a quality assurance specialist at BIOQUAL in Rockville, Maryland. AJ shares how his interest in epidemiology led him to a career in biotech. AJ chose Montgomery College for its strong biotech program, and low cost tuition. At BIOQUAL, AJ works on data generation, SOP development, and auditing processes. AJ emphasizes the value of networking, continuous professional growth, and hands-on experience for aspiring biotech students. AJ encourages students to actively seek opportunities and build meaningful industry connections. MC Biotech Program: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/programs/biotechnology/index.html [https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/programs/biotechnology/index.html] Careers at BIOQUAL: https://bioqual.com/why-join-bioqual/ [https://bioqual.com/why-join-bioqual/]

Lena - CCSF Alum - Scientist

In this episode, you’ll meet Lena, a Renasant Bio scientist, whose journey into biotech began in 2014. Lena credits the Bridge to Biotech program at City College of San Francisco for building hero biotech knowledge and lab skills. Over the years, Lena gained experience at four biotech companies- specializing in assay development and high-throughput imaging. Lena’s advice to community college students is to be flexible, stay resilient, and let personal drive guide you past early challenges.