On April 12, 2019, Skyline College’s Biotechnology Program hosted a Lunch and Learn in the Multicultural Center. The event was facilitated by Krystle Okialda-Chase, Talent Acquisition Manager for R&D at Abbvie, a national/local biotechnology company. Ms. Okialda-Chase spoke with Skyline College students about the hiring process in the biotechnology industry and specifically what recruiters are looking for. In addition, she gave practical advice on writing a resume and had interview tips for students. During the event, students were engaged and asked candid questions about the process. The luncheon ran for the scheduled hour. However, the students lined up to speak with Ms. Okialda-Chase after the event and she was kind enough to to stay for another hour and a half.
In attendance were over 30 Skyline College students and Skyline College’s Biotechnology Program lead instructors, Dr. Nick Kapp and Dr. Jing Folsom. The event was also attended by Skyline College Bioscience Internship Coordinator, Elsa Jimenez Samayoa, who has taught for Skyline College for over 10 years and is a past Skyline College student. She recently joined the the Center for Career and Workforce Programs where she has set up collaborations with local industry to find and promote Skyline College students for internships, in addition to identifying and inviting speakers for our Lunch and Learn series. The Biotechnology department is excited to have Elsa be a part of the team.
The next Biotechnology Lunch and Learn will be April 25th in Building 4, 4-301. It is titled “Where can your Degree from Skyline College Get You?” The facilitator will be former Skyline College student, Issa Sabeeba Esaid, a research associate at the biotechnology company, Intrexon. All students are invited to come and see what their next step may be. Students may sign up for their lunch at the following link: surveymonkey.com/r/8J8L2TK.
Article and Photo by Nick Kapp
