Scalable Comprehensive Workforce Readiness Initiatives Mentorship Program

Written By Perrin Crespi-Funderburk

BioMADE’s 12-week mentorship program will introduce students to the field of bioindustrial manufacturing, help prepare them for potential careers, give them opportunities to learn from those in the field, and more. Participating as a mentor or a mentee will be a rewarding way to inspire and attract diverse talent into the growing bioindustrial manufacturing.

For Mentees

Join BioMADE’s mentorship program to meet and learn from professionals in the field. Through the program, you will:

  • Learn about careers in bioindustrial manufacturing

  • Expand your professional network

  • Improve your resume-writing and interview skills

  • Receive guidance from a professional in the field

  • Achieve personal growth and learn more about yourself and your future career goals

The mentorship program welcomes learners from Northern California with diverse levels of science knowledge, including undergraduates with limited science backgrounds, as well as recent graduates and those holding associate/bachelor’s degrees in both science and non-science disciplines.

Requirements

  • Interest is learning about bioindustrial manufacturing careers

  • Full- or part-time student in a community college or university or a recent graduate

  • Commitment to engage and actively participate in the program’s professional development activities

Time commitment

  • Minimum of 6 hours of online/in-person one-on-one meetings with your mentor over the 12-week duration of the program, Sept. 4- Nov. 26, 2024

  • Attendance and active participation in the 1-2 hour professional development activities, scheduled on six Wednesdays at 3-5 pm PT:

    • Orientation meeting: Sept. 4

    • Introductions to biomanufacturing: Sept. 11

    • LinkedIn workshop: Sept. 25

    • Networking with the professionals: Oct. 16

    • Resume review and mock interviews: Nov. 13

    • Completion meeting: Nov. 20

Learn more

Attend one of our upcoming webinars to learn more:

Apply

Click here to apply. The application deadline is August 12, 2024 at 5:00 pm PT.

For Mentors

Help mentor students, build awareness about bioindustrial manufacturing, and make a positive impact!

We are seeking mentors and/or volunteers in northern California for in-person and online career development activities for three cohorts of students in the 2024/2025 academic year. Mentors from BioMADE member organizations are welcome.

Ways to Participate

  • Mentoring:

    • One-hour orientation meeting (online)

    • Minimum of 6 hours of meetings with your student mentee (online/in-person) over the 12-week duration of the program

    • Occasional email communications with the program coordinator

    • Completing 1-2 evaluation surveys

  • Networking Event:

    • Date: Oct. 16, 2024, 3:00 – 5:00 pm PT (online)

    • Volunteers meet with small groups of students (1-3) in Zoom breakout rooms for 15-20 minutes, before moving to another room meeting a new group of students

    • No preparation is required

  • Resume Review and Mock Interviews

    • Date: Nov. 13, 2024, 3:00 – 5:00 pm PT (online)

    • Volunteers review student resumes ahead of time and meet with the students for a mock interview and provide feedback. Each volunteer will meet with 1-3 students

  • Guest Speaker: Date: TBD (online)

    • Speak about your area of expertise in bioindustrial manufacturing science or careers

    • 30-60 minute talk on a topic of your choice (examples topics are: What is bioindustrial manufacturing, careers and skills needed, how to prepare a resume, how to create a professional LinkedIn profile)

  • Mini Career Fair:

    • Date: TBD

    • Represent your organization to attract talent

  • Field Trips:

    • Date: TBD

    • Provide an opportunity for a group of 8-16 students to visit your biomanufacturing facility or research lab, either in-person or on a virtual tour

Requirements

  • Experience in bioindustrial manufacturing industry and/or research

  • Industry professionals in various roles and levels, researchers, experienced graduate students and educators

  • Commitment to engage and foster an environment of diversity and inclusion

  • Mentors from BioMADE member organizations are welcome

Why participate?

  • Build leadership skills

  • Opportunity to guide and inspire the students of varying backgrounds and the future workforce in bioindustrial manufacturing

  • Meet and recruit potential talent for your organization

  • Fulfill membership in-kind contribution requirements (for BioMADE members only)

Learn more

Register here for our upcoming webinar on May 22 to learn more.

Apply

Click here to apply to be a volunteer mentor. The application deadline is August 12, 2024 at 5:00 pm PT.

Schedule and More Information

There will be three programs during the 2024-25 academic year:

  • Fall 2024: Sept. 4 - Nov. 26 | Applications due August 12, 2024

  • Winter 2025: Jan. 15 - Apr. 8

  • Spring 2025: Apr. 3 - June 25

For more information about the mentor-mentee program, please reach out to Golnar Afshar, Mentoring Specialist, at gafshar@biomade.org.

Perrin Crespi-Funderburk
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