With Learn & Earn, Middlesex CC Students Get into Workforce Fast

Through Middlesex Community College’s Biotechnology Learn and Earn Experience, Sara Shrestha turned her passion for science and technology into an immediate career. From Nepal and now living in Acton, Shrestha started working in the field while taking classes. Within six months of entering the program, she was hired full-time at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS).

“I am grateful and thankful for both MCC and BMS who gave me this opportunity to pursue my career in biotechnology,” Shrestha said. “It has given me a multi-faceted experience, and I am happy that I am part of a team working to bring hope to people with serious diseases.”

In MCC’s fully renovated, state-of-the-art biotechnology lab, Shrestha learned all of the equipment, techniques, methods and materials to be successful in her work at her internship. Originally hired as a Bioprocess Associate at BMS, she is now a full-time Manufacturing Operator for Cell Therapy.

Learning from professors such as Dr. Mariluci Bladon, MCC’s Professor & Chair of Biotechnology, taught Shrestha the knowledge and skills of the industry, as well as gave her an opportunity to practice her craft. Working alongside mentors from BMS “helped me to understand the process and procedure,” of what she did in her classes, she said.

“The theoretical knowledge from the school and practical knowledge from the workplace helped to enhance the knowledge and practice at the same time,” Shrestha said. “And also, we are paid while learning and gaining experience.”

Shrestha first learned of MCC’s Learn and Earn Experience from Stefana Soitos, MCC’s Director of Learn and Earn Experience, who she credits for guiding her on the right career path. After Shrestha decided to enter the program, Soitos helped her apply to partner companies and prepare for interviews, “which helped me improve my chances of being accepted.”

“MCC – especially the Learn and Earn Experience – is always there for me when I need any support financially or emotionally, helping me with the tuition fees,” Shrestha said. “I got support when needed and was provided an academic road map to reach my goal.”

To help balance her studies with her home and work responsibilities, Shrestha takes advantage of MCC’s evening classes and completes her assignments over the weekend. She also signs up for a few classes at a time to keep from feeling overwhelmed.

Having started taking classes during the pandemic, Shrestha chose Middlesex because it was an affordable and close-to-home option. Thanks to MCC’s Biotech Learn and Earn Experience and the guidance she received from Soitos, she was able to find a career path in a high-demand field without having to wait.

“I have felt very supported by the MCC staff,” she said. “They have gone out of their way to make my experience easier.”