Durham Tech first Life Sciences Networking event with employers, students a success

In early December, scores of students, alumni and life sciences employers converged on Durham Tech’s Main Campus for the College’s first Life Sciences Networking event for students and interested members of the community.

The event gave people interested in pursuing a career in life sciences the opportunity to meet company representatives, get advice and learn more about the variety of careers available in the field.  

Participants got to do Speed Networking with hiring managers and others from Novo Nordisk, AskBio, Beam Therapeutics, Biogen, KBI Biopharma and other businesses in the industry. They also got to hear industry representatives present elevator pitches about their professional journeys at the Novo Nordisk-sponsored event and take part in informal networking, as well.  

“This was a great opportunity for our students and members of the community to learn more about careers in Life Sciences,” said Telicia Hunter, Durham Tech Life Sciences director. “Our work with our industry partners has created amazing career opportunities for students who have attended Durham Tech.”

Some of those representing their companies at the event were Durham Tech graduates who wanted to give back to the College and help students following in their footsteps.  

Cleveland Lamar Smith, who completed BioWork in spring 2023 and now works at Novo Nordisk, was one of the alumni in attendance.  

He decided to go through the BioWork program at Durham Tech because he wanted to change careers and he had family members with health issues that the life sciences field directly helps.

“I really wanted to be here tonight,” Smith said. “Entering the BioWork program at Durham Tech changed my life. I’m thrilled to be at Novo Nordisk, and I’m proud of the work we do to help people. I hope by being part of this networking event, I can help others follow the same path and enter a career they love.”

Attendance was high at the event. Lynn Tovar, Durham Tech career development specialist in Life Sciences, said having the event on campus helped make it more accessible for students and community members.  

“With employers coming to campus, it removed barriers some of our students might face in attending similar events off campus. We succeeded in giving our students and members of the community who might not have the opportunity access to business leaders and the chance to learn from their experiences,” Tovar said. “We are grateful for the support from employers who came to campus and gave their time to provide exposure to Life Sciences careers.”

Hunter said based on the success of the December event, the College will plan to hold similar events in the future.

By the numbers:  

• 78 people attended;
• 24 were current Durham Tech students;
• 10 were Durham Tech alumni (including recent alumni/job seekers);
• 11 were students from other schools or job seekers;
• 13 companies/organizations were represented.