Biotech Student Works with the Center for Career and Professional Development to Land a Dream Internship
October 14, 2016
By Simon Goodacre | Brandeis Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Jessica Resnick is currently working at a Harvard Innovation Lab startup called Gel4Med. “My internship is incredible,” she says. “We develop topical anti-microbial treatments that are designed to not only destroy invading pathogens that can be present in hospitals, such as MRSA and staphylococcus, but also promote tissue regeneration and refrain from developing anti-biotic resistance.”
When applying for the position, Jessica sought guidance from the GSAS Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD). “I work with the CCPD for all my job application needs,” she says. “I have had one-on-one meetings with their team to talk about how to use LinkedIn and Brandeis alumni connections and for advice on graduate pathways to pursue.”
Jessica found the CCPD staff to be particularly helpful during the application process. “They taught me how to write, review and edit a competitive life sciences personal statement and CV. They also counseled me on how to approach the application process for furthering studies and how to prepare documentation for PhD programs. Finally, their advice for handling a job interview was invaluable. I feel like their training landed me my position at Gel4Med.”
After graduation, Jessica hopes to obtain a PhD. “My dream is to go into neuroscience or a related field,” she says. The laboratory experience that Jessica is gaining at her internship will be valuable during that process. “I work as a bench scientist, doing experiments with MRSA, staphylococcus, animal tissue, and with the hydrogel formulation we are currently developing.” She continues to work at the company even though her internship requirement has been fulfilled.
When asked whether she would recommend the CCPD to fellow students, Jessica was unequivocal. “I absolutely would. It's so scary going off as a graduate into the real world, having to apply for jobs and trying to establish a happy life for yourself. I found the CCPD staff to be extremely kind and helpful. They really understand the stress you are under and the fears you have. They go out of their way to make you as competitive as possible.”