Before the CCSF Biotech Program, I was a fresh graduate looking for a research associate job. Due to the lack of research experience, I had a very difficult time landing a position. For many positions, I did not even hear back from the employer. During undergraduate, I was focused on obtaining good grades and neglected the importance of gaining experience as well as networking. As a result, I didn't have the technical skill sets for a lab technician job. My biggest concern before starting the internship was the fear that I may not be able to learn the techniques and master them fast enough to be qualified as a competent candidate to begin my career in research. 

I enrolled in the CCSF Biotech program in hopes of gaining the basic laboratory techniques necessary to be qualified for a research position in a lab. Also, it was a chance for me to experiment and find out whether research is actually a career I would like to stay in. The fact that the program is only one-year long followed by a full-time internship made it very appealing. I enrolled in the classes without much hesitation. 

What I liked the most about the CCSF Biotech program was how involved the classes were. The small-sized classes made the learning experience interactive. I was able to get the help needed from the instructors and they were always available for questions after class or via emails. The hands-on experiments were a huge part of the classes, which was exactly what I was looking for. The classes also focused on understanding the reasoning behind the techniques. 

A specific moment in the classroom that I will forever remember was observing cardiomyocytes beating on a cell culture dish! I still tell people the excitement that gave me and how it solidified my plan to stay in the research field. I also simply enjoy hands-on bench work a lot because it is engaging. 

Completing the CCSF stem cell internship was very rewarding as I have gained valuable technical skills as well as critical thinking skills essential for research. I was surprised about how fast the 9-month long internship went by, probably because I was enjoying my time in the lab very much. The lab members provided a very welcoming and supportive learning environment while giving me the space to be creative to experiment different ideas. I am grateful for the people I have met, the connections I have made, and the experiences I have gained.

With the skills gained from the internship, I was able to land a job at UCSF at a staff Research Associate. I was way more confident in applying to jobs after the internship compared to prior, because I know that I am more competent now.

I feel that I am now better prepared for my career in the research field with the skill sets gained from the program and the internship. The process of looking for employment after completing the internship was smoother. I was able to secure employment in a similar field. I am able to apply certain techniques gained from my internship, but I am also learning new skills, which is always exciting!

You may be starting your career in the Biotech later than others, but the program/internship will prepare you well for employment in the field. Never be discouraged because a topic or technique appears difficult, everyone learns in a different pace and way. Take your time, and there is no need to compare yourself to others. Always be open to try new things. Always ask questions. People will be happy to help.