Background: CCSF Engineering student prior to starting the CCSF Biotechnology Program.
Programs: Stem Cell Technology Certificate & CIRM Bridges Stem Cell Trainee Program
CIRM Bridges Stem Cell Intern: Meunch Lab, Vitalant
Current Career: Technical Project Manager, Gate Scientific
I was a full time engineering student at City College prior to start to taking classes related to the CIRM internship program. I was very excited to learn about the program and start taking classes, as I was very interested in learning biotechnology in the different classes I took, but I was nervous not to be accepted in the internship program since I was young and I had neither prior experience nor a bachelors degree.
Why did you enroll in the CCSF Biotech program?
Primarily because I love science, biology, and research, and I was eager to learn biotechnology and research. And I saw the program as a path to learn and gain experience in the biotech field.
What specifically did you like most about the CCSF Biotech program/internship? 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 classes were amazing, I was always eager to learn more about all the different topics in the program, specially since we had hands-on lab experience, for me that was always exciting. The internship itself was not easy, yet incredibly rewarding. I grew personally and professionally. And the best moment was definitely when I presented my poster, it was like seeing all my sweat and tears accomplishing something important, and I was very proud of myself for getting there and accomplishing that....Without this internship I will definitely be in another place in my life.
What is life like now after the CCSF Biotech program/internship? How have you specifically benefited from the Biotech program/internship?
I am currently in school at SJSU focused on finishing up my bachelor's degree in engineering. This program taught me the importance of communication ... how to be resourceful, and thanks to this internship I not only have better chances of finding a good job, but I also am more confidant about my knowledge and skills.
I feel both more prepared and more confident to look for a job after finishing my bachelor's degree. I honestly can't wait to finish school and look for a job, and this internship will definitely make it easier for me.
What advice would you offer to current and future students? What would you tell them to expect as a student of the Biotech program?
First, if I can make it, anyone can make it, including you. So, never give up or feel like you do not have a chance in securing an internship. That said, it's important to remain focused and study the material well, talk to your instructors, and be involved in class. Expect to learn a lot and still feel like you know very little, but expect to have a lot more skills at the end of the program, which is likely to result in a job if that's what you are looking for.
Sofiane at his internship at Vitalant
