Background: B. Sc., San Francisco State University
Completed the Biotechnology Certificate & Stem Cell Technology Certificate
Bioscience Internship: Thilmony Lab, USDA
Current Career: Senior Biological Science Technician, USDA
See Jennie's CCSF Biosymposium poster from her internship at UCSF
What was your life like before the CCSF Biotech program? What was your biggest concern before entering the program/starting the internship?
I had just graduated from SFSU and was looking for work but had no lab experience, relevant skills, or connections in the scientific field, so my chances of being hired in the position I wanted was low. Therefore, I had to get that experience and connections somehow.
Why did you enroll in the CCSF Biotech program?
To hopefully enter an internship and from there, build a network and connections with people during the internship, and hopefully get hired somewhere.
What specifically did you like most about the CCSF Biotech program? Was there a specific moment in the classroom or during your internship where you knew you were on a path to your future career?
The many classes that taught practical lab skills used often in the field, and also that you didn’t have to have a science background to start and complete this program. A specific moment where I knew that I was on the path to my future career would be during the interviewing process for an internship position. Meeting all those people and getting to know what their labs did, and figuring out what my role would be there made me feel like I was actually at the starting line after training and preparing.
What surprised you the most or made you the happiest about completing the CCSF Biotech program?
That I was able to make connections in the biotech field – both in class and during my internship - and that I was offered a position from a neighboring lab at my internship site was very surprising.
What is life like now after the CCSF Biotech program? How have you specifically benefited from the Biotech program/internship?
I was hired at my current job because of the connections I’d made during my internship, and also gained knowledge of skills and how they are used in the field. Currently, I'm just finding my footing in my current position.
How do you feel you are better prepared for your future career? Have you experienced any changes in your current employment thanks to completing the program? Were you able to secure employment in a new field?
I got a starting pack of skills in the program and was employed at the same place as my internship site, where I’ll be further developing competence in the skills I currently have, and learning new skills needed in this position.
What advice would you offer to current and future students? What would you tell them to expect as a student of the Biotech program?
Definitely do not underestimate the amount of time and effort that’s needed for your internship or your classes, because it’s a large commitment. Take advantage of all the resources available, because it’s all meant to help.
