MCC Students Excelling in Biotech Learn & Earn Experience

The Biotechnology Learn and Earn Experience is off to a strong start at Middlesex Community College. For 50 years, Middlesex has had a mission of guiding students on their paths to success. The Learn and Earn Experience – created to scale up the college’s already successful biotech program with an $841,000 grant from the Strategic Grant Partners (SGP) ­– is another way that MCC prepares students to reach their academic and professional goals.

The program allows eligible biotech students the opportunity to earn an associate degree while working full- or part-time as Manufacturing Technicians at a participating employer, including Takeda and Abbvie. Students are paid for their work and gain practical experience while completing their studies.

From Methuen, Alissa Gannon is working at Takeda and may have the opportunity to continue at the company in a permanent position after she graduates from Middlesex by the end of next year. Gannon chose MCC’s Learn and Earn Experience because it allowed her to go to school and work at the same time – something she was not certain she would be able to do elsewhere. It was important to her that she start her career as soon as she could.

“My overall experience has been great,” Gannon said. “I have gained so much hands-on experience. I was eager to start my future career and was presented with an opportunity to do so.”

Gannon’s goal – both at MCC and Takeda – is to learn as much as she can. In the Learn and Earn Experience, she receives both academic and professional development from her professors and professionals in the field. In the future, she is interested in continuing her education to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biotechnology.

“MCC’s biotech program gives a lot of insight into the field; especially with the new lab, it shows you exactly how to work proficiently,” she said. “You are learning how and why, then performing the tasks you have studied. You know exactly why you are doing things and how it all works.”

Takeda has also appreciated Gannon’s efforts.

"The team is thoroughly impressed with Alissa's dedication to learning, positive attitude and team spirit,” said Steven Li, Manufacturing Supervisor at Takeda. “We're blessed to have such good synergy from the get-go!"

As she is working during the pandemic, Gannon believes Takeda has put measures in place to keep her healthy and safe. She also finds working in biotechnology to be relevant to the science behind COVID-19, including learning about immunology and how viruses work. Overall, Gannon is grateful for the opportunity MCC and Takeda have provided to her, as well as for her professors for guiding her through the experience.

"I am only 22-years-old and have found my future career at a job I love,” she said. “It feels amazing to come home from work happy every single day.”

For more information about the Biotechnology Learn and Earn Experience at Middlesex, visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/biotechnology/learnandearn.aspx or contact Stefana Soitos at soitoss@middlesex.mass.edu.

Registration is open for both MCC’s Spring semester and WinterSession. The Spring semester starts on January 26 and students can take courses during MCC’s accelerated WinterSession from January 4 to 22. To register, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!