Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Read Melanie’s story

1. What was my life like before BIT? What was my biggest concern before entering BIT?
   • I was a stay-at-home mom with a high school diploma. I worked in retail and call centers before the program. When I decided to go back to school, I was leaning toward teaching or perhaps nursing. My strengths are based around reading and writing and helping people. However, once I took my first biology class at PCC, I was completely fascinated by science and wanted more. I loved how science challenged me.
   • Honestly, my biggest concern was being overwhelmed (and that I wasn’t smart enough to succeed).
2. Why did I enroll in the BIT program?
   • I enrolled in the program after reading the Bioscience Technology page on the PCC website. I became so excited at all possibilities and everything I would be able to learn.
3. What specifically did I like most about the BIT program? Was there a specific moment in the classroom or during a site visit where I knew I was on a path to my future career?
   • The thing I liked most about the BIT program was the hands-on lab work ¨C all of it! I loved the notebooks too! Protein Purification and Cell Culture were my favorite lab-based classes.
   • Specific moments on my path to my future career included:
     • every time I ¡®caught on’ in the lab or was able to explain the process or procedure to a fellow classmate.
     • when I realized how well my analytic nature and attention to detail fit perfectly in with quality systems.
     • the site visit at Genentech ¨C when I walked into the building, I knew that I belonged there. During the presentation and tour, I knew I needed to be there. Everything the company does and stands for is something I want to be a part of.
4. What surprised me the most or made me the happiest about completing the BIT program?
   • I was surprised by how proud of myself I was/am! It’s an intense program that offers so much knowledge! Even when I felt stressed out, I was happy to be in the lab learning and performing procedures and writing in my notebook. I have made lifelong friends and connections that I adore!
5. What is life like after completing the BIT program? How have I specifically benefited?
   • Life has been amazing since completing the program! I’ve interned at Genentech on the Compliance Team and then worked for Swire Coca-Cola as a Quality Assurance Technician. And now I’m back at Genentech, working as a Document Management System Specialist. I feel accomplished!
   • I have specifically benefited from BIT because I succeeded and am working in my chosen field. I wouldn’t have been able to get the jobs I had or the job I have without BIT! With the help of my friends and instructors from the program, I was able to discern my strengths and find where they belong.
6. How do I feel I am better prepared for my career? Have I experienced many changes in my current employment thanks to completing the program? Was I able to secure employment in a new field?
   • BIT definitely helped by giving me experience in calibrating instruments, ability to analyze and troubleshoot, following specific directions, and attention to detail. The program was incredibly intense which has made me a more efficient employee.?I have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in my career.
   • Thanks to the program, I am currently working in my chosen field, for a company I wanted to work for, doing a job that brings out my strengths.
7. What advice would I offer to current and future students? What would I tell them to expect as a student of the BIT program?
   • Ask a lot of questions. Don’t fall behind on your notebook. The other students in your cohort are valuable assets ¨C collaborate, form study groups, ask for input, share ideas, help each other. Some classes may not seem important to you, but every class is vital in this industry. Leave your phone alone. Pay attention and take notes. Utilize your instructor’s knowledge and expertise ¨C they want you to succeed. Listen to the advice your instructors give you!
   • Expect to work and study hard. You will be/get tired. It will seem long, however, this program is so worth it! Expect to have fun and be amazed at what you can accomplish! The procedures are fascinating and fun!

Read Alex’s story

Before I entered the Bioscience Technology program at PCC, I was a student at Lincoln High School that was passionate about Chemistry. I knew that I would be going to Oregon State University for a degree in Biochemistry, but I also knew that I needed to do two years of my undergrad at PCC to save money.

I found myself in a conundrum: I knew that to be successful in getting jobs in research, I needed experience. Unfortunately, while I was at PCC studying for my Freshman and Sophomore years to save money, my colleagues at Oregon State would be exposed to research experiences that I would not have access to at PCC. I figured that if I enrolled in the Bioscience Technology program, I would receive the training and experience I needed to score some part-time jobs and internships in the Biosciences in the Portland area. This way, I would be able to boost my resume while saving money at PCC and stay competitive with my peers at OSU.

It was on the first day of class that it became clear to me that I made the right choice. I was in a classroom with Josh Cary, the head of the program, and I immediately knew that the program was in great hands and of great quality. My feelings extended beyond Josh’s class ¨C every class I took was taught by someone with experience in their field and who knew exactly what to teach to prepare you for success. The labs put together by the program were also of the utmost quality. The BIT program has effective and useful equipment that is used throughout the industry and that is expertly maintained by their extremely competent lab manager, Carla Moentenich.

What surprised me the most about the program was its ability to develop your professional skills and help you establish connections with members of the local industry. Whether it be through resume writing classes or Genentech factory tours, the faculty in the program do their best to enable you to land a job in the bioscience industry by the end of your time in the program. The connections that the program’s faculty and board have to local industry leaders should not be underestimated. I know that I would not have landed my Bioinformatics internship doing cancer immunotherapy research at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute in Portland if I had not gone on a tour of their facilities with the BIT program.

Without the lab skills, professionalism, and connections that I developed thanks to the Bioscience Technology program at PCC, I would not be where I am now. I will be attending an internship in Molecular Biophysics at Princeton University this summer.?I am feeling confident that I am just as, if not more, prepared for a successful career than my peers who have studied at OSU for the entirety of their undergraduate degree. I could not recommend the BIT program enough!

If you’re hoping to use the BIT program as a platform to help your chances at landing meaningful experiences in the bioscience industry as I did, please be cognizant of your degree timeline. I was lucky in that I was able to transfer AP credits in Chemistry and Math from high school. This means that I will still likely be able to finish my undergraduate degree in four years despite my time in the BIT program. If you do not have the opportunity to transfer credits, you may only be able to get your undergraduate degree in five years. Even then, I would argue that the extra year spent at the BIT program is worth the time, not to mention the money, you’ll be saving by taking the first two years of your degree at PCC!

I hope by now you see the incredible benefits that the BIT program can offer to undergraduate students like you and me! The skills and connections that the program can provide are invaluable to kick-starting a successful career. However, be sure to make the most of your time in the program. Work hard, attend class, and work collaboratively with the other members of your cohort. They, too, are starting successful careers and could form an invaluable network of professional connections in the future. Good luck!

Read Robert’s story

I’m a graduate of the Bioscience Technology Program offered at Portland Community College. I graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree and have found the experience and skills I developed in the program to be some of my strongest assets nearly four years later.

As a young budding biologist pursuing a transfer degree at Portland Community College, I developed concerns about the prospects of having a future in the biological field. It was heavily advised that a student plan on applying for higher education. Yet many graduates I had spoken to, anecdotally, had been regretful of their major. I knew then that if I wanted to be successful in my major I needed a competitive edge and I needed experience. The Bioscience Technology Program fits this bill perfectly and I applied for an informational interview immediately.

The program requires a full-time commitment. The schedule sets you up to be in a lab five days a week and that doesn’t include the time you will spend studying and preparing for your projects outside of the lab. This was an immediate concern for me both before applying to the program and while in the program as I would need to continue working my part-time job and complete the program at the same time. That year was one of the hardest years of my life but the reward I received was invaluable and was well worth the effort I put in.

The program offers something a general bachelor of science cannot offer you: transferability of skills. The knowledge you receive in these lectures develops the core concepts and competencies expected from courses in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular and immunology, and that knowledge is immediately applied to the laboratory portion where you use the information to develop methods and practices used in a laboratory. Frequently, in these labs you will need to use your reasoning to interpret the results and errors you encounter and therefore the problem solving you must employ to understand your situation in the lab is the most real-world thing I have ever experienced in an educational setting. Therefore, the technical skills you receive in this program will set you up to work in any field as the high technical and problem-solving components of the program are perfect for demonstrating your capabilities in a technical field.

The Bioscience Technology Program was the professional launching pad I needed to get ahead of the competition. I now have the technical knowledge and skill-set to use various principles exercised in this multidisciplinary field without the extensive educational background or deep work history one may pursue just to have experience. For this reason, I recommend this program to anyone serious not only about becoming a skilled technician at the bench but those who also want to gain a strong foundation into the world of regulatory and business relations in the biotech industry and ultimately move up in their roles in any position.

I am eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to be trained by such a talented group of educators and professionals. As a result, I have worked in fields and been considered for opportunities I would have never believed available to me without enrolling in higher education and as a result, I can spend more time planning my next career decisions.

1. What was your life like before the Bioscience Technology (BIT) program? What was your biggest concern before entering the BIT program?
   • I worked almost full-time and pursued my education part-time for a transfer in Biology. My biggest concern about the program was the full-time school schedule since I have always worked and went to school at the same time.
2. Why did you enroll in the BIT program?
   • The BIT program offered the exact skills I wanted to develop professionally as a future biologist. I was concerned that I would spend my time pursuing a four-year degree only to find that I did not have the skills or experience to be competitive in the job market or worse yet find that I hated lab work. Å·ÖÞ±­¾öÈü¾º²Âapp_Å·ÖÞ±­×ãÇòÍø-Ͷע|¹ÙÍøing my laboratory and industry knowledge in this rigorous program was exactly what I wanted.
3. What specifically did you like most about the BIT program? Was there a specific moment in the classroom or during your site visit where you knew you were on a path to your future career?
   • The majority of the course work is done at the bench with projects that were often days long and required a multistep process much like what you would expect in an actual laboratory or biomanufacturing operation. I recall coming to the lab on multiple occasions and thinking I’m actually working in biotech. These are real skills.
4. What surprised you the most or made you the happiest about completing the BIT program?
   • Once I completed the program I was surprised by how quickly I was able to access the opportunities within this field. I was accepted into an internship in a virology lab at OHSU’s Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute on the same day I applied. Before I finished my internship I accepted a job offer at a local biotechnology company creating and marketing a transgenic mouse model for pharmaceutical research.
5. What is life like after completing the BIT program? How have you specifically benefited?
   • I left the BIT program a real working professional. Now my experience gained from the program gives me confidence in myself when looking for work in biotech. At first, I definitely suffered a little bit of imposter syndrome but after my first internship, I knew that I had the skills and experience to be a real asset to my teams.
6. How do you feel you are better prepared for your 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 have applied and received offers or interviews in almost all sectors the program works in. I have been in academic labs, biomanufacturing, and have interviewed in medical roles as well.
7. What advice would you offer to current and future students? What would you tell them to expect as a student of the BIT program?
   • Plan to continue your education or develop your professional profile in some way. That may include continuing your education at a university or taking on certificate programs to develop your skills in a programing language or project management. Realize that you will give yourself a sharper edge in your field if you continue to find ways to add to your skills and benefit your employer.

Read Alec’s story

1. What was your life like before the Bioscience Technology (BIT) program? What was your biggest concern before entering the BIT program?
   • Before BIT I was pursuing a general science transfer degree off of a failed attempt at a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Western Oregon University. In all honesty, I was a bit lost in life and struggling to find what I was truly passionate about. Before entering the program, my biggest concern was failure. Can I actually see this through? Is this for me? What does my life look like after this? These are all questions I asked myself prior to enrolling in the program and, in retrospect, all these questions were unfounded. I was surrounded by great people with an excellent knowledge base who supported me all the way through and after graduation from the program.
2. Why did you enroll in the BIT program?
   • I took the Principal of Biology Series at PCC with Josephine Pino who was previously a contributor to the program and a valued academic mentor for me. I expressed interest in possibly pursuing a career in laboratory research and she recommended the program to me. I personally struggle with scholastic coursework; I feel it¡¯s too rigid. In many ways, you miss out on developing practical skills and experiences that are applicable to real-world situations. The BIT program was presented as being hands-on and prioritized practical experience that¡¯s applicable to real-world problems. The combination of these two factors is what ultimately pushed me to make the decision to apply and ultimately, I¡¯m glad I did.
3. What specifically did you like most about the BIT program? Was there a specific moment in the classroom or during your site visit where you knew you were on a path to your future career?
   • The most enjoyable aspect of the program was the connections I made with both the faculty and students involved with the program. The faculty was well versed in the concepts they taught and were even better at communicating said concepts with students. My fellow students became friends and we learned and explored new concepts together. The tell-tale moment when I knew I was on the right path came when we toured the Genentech manufacturing facility in Hillsboro, Oregon. It was clean, well-organized, and full of new-age technology used in commercial manufacturing and shipping of pharmaceuticals. It left me pondering about what could be achievable with a facility and technology of that scale.
4. What surprised you the most or made you the happiest about completing the BIT program?
   • After completing the program, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The program helped me understand what I enjoyed about research and industry and the different aspects I would enjoy pursuing in both. It gave me a sense of assurance that no matter what I chose to pursue, I would be equipped with enough skills and knowhow to be successful.
5. What is life like after completing the BIT program? How have you specifically benefited?
   • My life is busy. I got a job as a laboratory technician at Oregon Health and Science University under Dr. Lisa Karstens. Our lab focuses on identifying the urinary microbiota of women with Overactive Bladder. My specific contribution to that project has been implementing a method for successfully culturing, isolating, and identifying microorganisms present in urine samples. I¡¯ve also enrolled in and got accepted into phase one of PSU¡¯s Build EXITO programs 6th cohort with the intention of pursuing a Bachelor¡¯s degree in biomedical physics from PSU. I can honestly say the networking techniques and skills I picked up from the program have been pivotal in achieving this.
6. How do you feel you are better prepared for your 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?
   • During my coursework, I took the cell culture course which taught me the basics of aseptic technique and allowed me to get comfortable working in and around biosafety cabinets. That made me a strong applicant for the position I got at OHSU and has helped me a great deal with my culturing projects. They also taught a general approach to orienting yourself in a lab and gave me ample time to find how I “work” in a lab and prefer to organize my notes in a manner that makes sense and is also productive. I personally don¡¯t feel that you can get this from conventional laboratory courses and it isn¡¯t necessarily a skill employers specifically look for but value highly.
7. What advice would you offer to current and future students? What would you tell them to expect as a student of the BIT program?
   • The best advice I would give to future students would be to get to know your fellow students. I know now that several of my peers went to work at places I am still considering applying for. Take the time to go to open labs and office hours and group gatherings. Having someone that you feel comfortable with to reach out to for employment opportunities is, in my opinion, better than a degree. I’ve heard a saying recently that illustrates this and it goes as follows: “It’s about who you know not what you know,” which, in academia, is a bit ironic but it holds true none the same. As far as expectations go, I would say expect to be challenged. Many of the concepts presented by the instructors took me some time to fully grasp and the days were longer than the typical college course load would require. That being said, you have the distinct advantage of extended lab hours and access to knowledgeable faculty to support you during those hours.

Read Melisa’s story

1. What was your life like before the Bioscience Technology (BIT) program? What was your biggest concern before entering the BIT program?
   • Before starting the BIT program at PCC, I was trying to figure out how I could continue studying science without paying the big price of a university. I knew I wanted to pursue my career in the sciences, especially in Biology, and was ecstatic to find that PCC offers a 2-year BIT course at the Rock Creek campus. I was a bit concerned whether only having a 2-year degree would be enough to land me a job in the future, but I knew it would be a great advantage for me whether I decided to get a job after PCC or continue to go a larger university setting.
2. Why did you enroll in the BIT program?
   • I enrolled in the BIT program because I wanted to start out having a 2-year Associate’s degree in a biological science-related field, especially due to the tuition price that a community college offers over a 4-year university. The BIT program was really attractive for me because it teaches you all of the basics that are necessary for a Laboratory Technician job. It’s also a great way to just give you a head start at getting some basic laboratory experience for your Bachelor’s studies, which is really hard to get otherwise.
3. What specifically did you like most about the BIT program? Was there a specific moment in the classroom or during your site visit where you knew you were on a path to your future career?
   • I really enjoyed having very personal support from the BIT program staff. They were always there to guide us and give us advice based on their experiences in the pharmaceutical or biotech workforce. Since we were a small batch of students, we were all very close and it was nice to have a sense of community that is otherwise difficult to get as a regular PCC student. I also really enjoyed taking part in the field trips to various local biotech companies and was able to gain lots of important information regarding job markets or positions available in the area. These opportunities really made me think about my future career and allowed me to be where I am today.
4. What surprised you the most or made you the happiest about completing the BIT program?
   • I was very surprised to know that we had a collaboration with another biotech school in Japan. At that time, I was very interested in the Japanese language and culture and was excited to know that we hosted Japanese students at our campus every year and enjoyed taking part in fun activities with them. I think after those experiences plus more from the BIT program, I was able to think more seriously about studying abroad to finish my Bachelor’s degree in Japan.
5. What is life like after completing the BIT program? How have you specifically benefited?
   • Shortly after finishing the BIT program, I was able to get a position at a local food manufacturing plant as a Quality Assurance Technician. Although this position was not completely biological-based, this was the first full-time job that was paying me the highest salary I ever had right after high school. After working there for a year, I decided I wanted to finish my Bachelor’s degree in Japan. Once I entered my final research year at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, the basic laboratory skills I earned from the BIT program really helped give me an advantage in comparison to my peers. I felt much more comfortable and confident in my lab and this allowed for a smooth transition.
6. How do you feel you are better prepared for your 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?
   • My current position as a researcher at Bonac Corporation entails using human and animal cell lines, transfection of cells using siRNA, and using various RNAi-based technologies to develop drug therapies for various diseases. Since my Bachelor’s degree was mostly about plant-based molecular biology and genetics, I had a slight disadvantage once entering my current job. However, the experience from the PCC BIT program such as cell culture, ELISA assays, protein purification, etc., has greatly helped me have a simple understanding of the methods used at my current lab. I think if I had not finished my degree at PCC, I would not have been able to transition smoothly from my university research studies to be able to apply this knowledge at my current job.
7. What advice would you offer to current and future students? What would you tell them to expect as a student of the BIT program?
   • I would tell future or current BIT students that you are definitely on the right path to your future career goals. For students who have previous studies from 4-year universities, I would say your BIT experience will definitely make your resume look great because of all of the various lab experiences you will gain. Or, if you continue to your Master’s, your research will be a much easier transition. For students who do not have previous studies, I would say this is a great opportunity to get some very valuable hands-on lab experience that is otherwise very hard to get, even in a university setting. If you are motivated to continue your studies later on, the BIT program would have already given you the skills to feel confident in a lab setting and will help your career path grow exponentially. Don’t give up, because you never know where life will take you.

Read David’s story

1. What was your life like before the Bioscience Technology (BIT) program? What was your biggest concern before entering the BIT program?
   • After completing my bachelor’s degree at PSU, I took on the task of partially taking care of a family member. Due to this activity, I had a part-time job close to home. Two years later, however, I was able to begin seeking a job in science.
   • My biggest concern was not being selected. Because I already had a science degree, I thought that the selection committee would pick a candidate with no degree over a candidate like me. Fortunately for me, I was mistaken about this assumption.
2. Why did you enroll in the BIT program?
   • With no experience in the science field, my chances of getting a science-related job were slim to none. At this time I found myself browsing the PCC website seeking a certificate/training program that would propel me to finding a good job. It was then that I came across the BIT program. After researching the field of biotechnology and the job opportunities around the Portland Metro Area, I knew this program would help me get prepared for an excellent job.
3. What specifically did you like most about the BIT program? Was there a specific moment in the classroom or during your site visit where you knew you were on a path to your future career?
   • It is hard to pick one particular aspect of the program that I love the most. Nonetheless, I’ll point out two.
     1. The instructors were incredible. Each one of them went out of their way to help you succeed. No matter if you got stuck on a subject, I could count on them to help me understand the material.
     2. Classmates eventually become a second family. Throughout the program, I had the privilege of having some incredible individuals as classmates. They were from all walks of life, different nationalities, and creed. We often relied upon each other to get through tough assignments and cheered one another when our goals were accomplished, and when they weren’t as well.
4. What surprised you the most or made you the happiest about completing the BIT program?
   • During the last term, all my classmates and I were in our search for jobs. The instructors gave us all pointers and help in correcting our resumes. Soon one by one began to get hired. Each time we knew someone had found a job we celebrated; it would bring joy to know our efforts were all worth it. Soon thereafter, I too had found a job at an excellent company.
5. What is life like after completing the BIT program? How have you specifically benefited?
   • Life after the program has been great. My work at SEDIA is proving to be all that I hoped it would be. Many of the skills the BIT program gave me are now helping me succeed at work. Recently I was selected to be part of the safety committee, which is a welcome challenge. One of the courses at the BIT program is about safety around a lab setting; as chair of the safety committee, it is my responsibility to keep track of any potential safety hazards around the company. I am not alone, however. The other committee members also help me maintain a safe work environment. My main role at work is as a Quality control lab tech. For this role, I use the knowledge from the quality systems class and all the lab knowledge from the other courses. Without those courses, I don’t think I would be doing as well as I am.
6. What advice would you offer to current and future students? What would you tell them to expect as a student of the BIT program?
   • To present and future students of the BIT program, I can give you the following advice: Do not be afraid. I know the course load can prove to be challenging at times, especially Fall and Spring terms, but in the end, it is all worth it. I say not to be afraid because that was how I felt during the program, with questions like: “Will I make it? Will I find a job after this?” It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, but you have to take it one day at the time. Been afraid only prevents you from achieving your goals.
   • Within the program, you can expect to find some courses to be more difficult than others. To overcome this, you must rely upon your classmates and instructors. Ask many questions and never be too afraid to lend a hand to those who need it.

Read Narin’s story

1. What was your life like before the Bioscience Technology (BIT) program?
   • I had been in the biotech business in sales and marketing in Thailand for a while. My responsibilities were to sell and provide technical support for a company’s products such as enzymes, yeast, and bacteria to the customers.
2. What was your biggest concern before entering the BIT program?
   • My English communication because it is my second language.
3. Why did you enroll in the BIT program?
   • As a new immigrant, we, mostly from Thailand, end up at a Thai restaurant. But I didn’t want to be there, so I was looking for a job that met my skills as much as possible and came across the bioscience technology program at PCC. In my home country, I was a technical sales specialist for biotech products such as enzymes, yeast, and bacteria. However, since my English communication skills were not good enough for being in sales or marketing in the U.S. I had to look at jobs in other parts of the biotech industry, for example, production, QC/QA, or R&D. To be fit in the new role and to make a new career network, I thought I should go to school, but should not take too long. So, I started to search for a program that met my need. Fortunately, I found the BIT program at PCC Rock Creek during my summer ESOL class. I reached out to Josh Cary (Bioscience Technology chair) and Jenny Kirchler (Program Advisor) to get more information. I decided to take this program because I believed it would prepare me for the job market by providing hands-on practice to learn the US. industrial regulation, and opportunity for career networking.
4. What specifically did you like most about the BIT program? Was there a specific moment in the classroom or during your site visit where you knew you were on a path to your future career?
   • A ton of lab works allowed me to get hands-on practice to work on accuracy and consistency.
5. What surprised you the most or made you the happiest about completing the BIT program?
   • The instructors have broad connections with academic and industry professionals and provide support connecting students to the job market. I got hired into a job even before graduation. Moreover, I’m so happy that our cohort was supportive and became friends.
6. What is lifelike after completing the BIT program? How have you specifically benefited?
   • I got a job at ICL Inc. where 25-30% of the lab technicians are from PCC’s BIT program so we feel connected and support each other.
7. How do you feel you are better prepared for your 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?
   • The program prepared me not only to get technical knowledge but also other essential skills for my career. For example, we studied how to do networking, write a cover letter and resume, and practice an interview.
8. What advice would you offer to current and future students? What would you tell them to expect as a student of the BIT program?
   • First, you should know why you are interested in Biotech and what does Oregon has to offer. To me, Biotech is a way to improve quality of life and make a difference, especially in the unprecedented, challenging time we are currently in due to Covid-19. We become a part of the solution to the pandemic. Since I had a limited amount of time to study without working longer than a year, I needed something fast and effective. So, the BIT program supported me perfectly. During study, it was a good opportunity to shape us being more self-disciplined by fully taking responsibility to finish homework or assignment on time with high quality. Once we master ourselves, it will reflect in the quality of our work in the workplace.

Read Kelly’s story

I’m currently a biotechnologist at ICL (Immunology Consultants Laboratory). My main responsibilities include development, production, and QC testing of ELISA kits, as well as various buffer production to support the Antibody and ELISA production team. I have a BS in Biology from Oregon State University and am a graduate of the Portland Community College Bioscience Technology program (Certification earned March 2018).

My certification from the BIT program at Portland Community College was instrumental in attaining a position as a biotechnologist. It allowed me to gain the skills necessary to be successful after a very large gap in education/work history.

Originally, I had always thought I would join the workforce immediately after graduating from college but decided it was in the best interest of my family/children to not work outside of the home while my children were young and to give back to my community volunteering. Once my children were off to college and onto lives of their own, I had the freedom to once again prioritize my wants. I had always enjoyed the laboratory environment but needed to update my skillset. I had, throughout the years, taken a class at the community college level occasionally to keep up on what was happening in the biosciences and so this is the first option I considered. The price point of restarting my education at a community college level versus studying for the GRE and then applying to graduate school seemed to be the best option in my case. PCC Rock Creek had a program that fits all of my needs. It was close, very affordable, and offered a hands-on training/education program that allowed me to earn an Advanced Bioscience Technologist Certificate in two terms with close to 1,000 hours spent in the lab. I felt this was my best option to restart a career.

Some advantages of the BIT program include:

• Access to instructors in and outside the laboratory environment for questions and assistance.
• Direct access to laboratory equipment and instruction on use and technique for a successful transition to industry use standards.
• Close collaboration with cohort classmates leading to an instant network when entering the professional field.
• Support from PCC BIT instructors to help connect you to industry jobs and opportunities.
• The PCC BIT program is widely recognized in the biotech community as graduating students who are technically ready to enter the laboratory environment and succeed and grow in this rewarding industry.

I really feel that the program helped me to enter into a career with confidence and the technical ability to succeed. I highly recommend this pathway for anyone considering a career in the biotechnology field.

Read Amir’s story

My family and I moved to the U.S in 2014 and based on my background, which was the sales manager of biotechnology products, I started looking for a sales position in pharmaceutical companies. I ended up as a sales associate at Macy’s Washington Square Mall. It was like a nightmare for me to be a salesman at Macy’s for the rest of my life. After doing some research I noticed I need to go back to school here, to update my knowledge, and then apply for a better position.

I came across the Bioscience program at PCC and I made an appointment with the faculty department chair and signed up for the certification program. The program was a good match for my knowledge and experience. We had hands-on laboratory classes with a variety of lab work like making chemical dilutions, safety issues in the lab, extraction of DNA from samples, working with chemicals, and using PPE (Personal Protection Equipment).

I found out that being a student in this career pathway could help me to build up my self-confidence and at the same time networking with people in different industries would open doors that were closed to me before. Employers in the Portland area believe that PCC graduate students can handle the job.

The happiest moment for me was the day I was told that I got hired by Intel even before I finished the program! My interview with Intel managers at PCC RC went very well in March 2016 and they notified me that I could start my job in April 2016. I have been working for Intel since then and I enjoy what I am doing. Intel is a good company with reliable benefits and I am sure that it couldn’t happen if I didn’t enroll in the BIT program.

I recommend BIT students to work hard and try to get good grades in all classes because Intel cares about GPA in the hiring process. If I want to summarize the workflow at Intel fab, I would say safety and paying attention to details. A new employee has to study a lot of information and work in a huge clean room with a gown, gloves, and hood all the time at the command center. Everybody can watch videos on YouTube to see what this job looks like. It is a compressed workweek job with different shifts available, day or night. You should be ready to learn a lot and at the same time try to be a good team member at Intel. You need to support each other to gain the goals, which are high productivity and running the floor as smoothly as you can.