here's what the mentors are saying...

 

I participated in the Fellows program to encourage students to pursue careers in biotech, meet new people and attend BIO. The program met my expectations; the students were so enthusiastic and willing to listen, learn, and ask questions. The mentoring part of the conference was well organized and really fun and informative.

Even though helping my career isn’t one of the goals of this program both last year and this year I met people who have been and will be crucial to my own career development.

I would tell Fellows to be come ready to be very social, and outgoing. Students should bring their resumes and business cards no matter what. Mentors must come ready to participate in all aspects of the program.

This program is fantastic. I foresee a “problem” of too many people wanting to participate!  

Lisa Dalrymple
Associate Research Scientist
Exelixis
2006 Mentor

 

Tony Ndifor

In my culture, giving back or sharing just comes naturally. Growing up in a small, agricultural environment, we were constantly in touch with each other, knew our neighbors more than one hundred family homes away, and helped each other. Although I've lived in the

United States for 10 years, I don't want to lose that principal as a guiding force in my life. That's why I'm involved in the Biotechnology Institute's Minority and Indigenous Fellows Program.

I've been involved in the Fellows Program for two years. Growing up in Cameroon, I didn't have a mentor to guide me toward a professional career. I left Cameroon to study pharmacy in England but ended up in a pharmacology program because I didn't realize the difference between pharmacy and pharmacology, and had no one to guide me. While I'm thrilled in my career choice, I admit that I could have benefited from more guidance, especially early in my schooling. As a result, I want to be there for other students in the life sciences to help them make better, more informed choices.

Last year was my first experience as a mentor to Korede. She was in her final year of studies at California State University at Dominguez Hills. She too came from West Africa, so we shared many of the same experiences in adjusting to life in the States. Because of my longer experience here, there was a still a lot I could offer her. Today Korede is in a master's program at Virginia State University studying molecular biology, and we keep in regular contact.

I see my role as being there to help, direct and listen. I conduct at least monthly teleconferences with my mentees and of course, leverage e-mail as much as possible in-between our conversations. The issues we discuss really run the gamut. We talk about the types of careers that are available in the biotechnology industry. They ask questions about the benefits of attending medical school, studying for an MBA or pursuing a Ph.D., and the career possibilities for each within and outside the Biotechnology industry. They've asked for my perspective on the advantages of doing research or working in a lab part-time while going to school. I have helped them with interviewing skills, job application dos and don'ts, soft skills in professional environments etc.

I think one of the most important ways I continue to support my mentees and others is by linking them to my contacts in the industry. For example, one of my mentees was considering going on to medical school and was seeking some perspective on the pros and cons. I didn't attend medical school but I was able to connect her with some MD colleagues who were able to provide input, share their experiences and expand her resources. I feel that I can be a valuable part of my mentees' resource library.

Attending the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) annual convention with my mentees was an extremely worthwhile exercise, both as a scientist and a Mentor. Most of the Fellows have never been exposed to anything of that magnitude, and they are eager and wide open to the options that are available at the BIO convention.

An equally important reason for my participation in the Fellows Program is to address the dearth of minority and indigenous peoples represented in both the biotechnology industry and the candidate pool that feeds the industry. I am proud to be working to change that and serve as a bridge-builder.

I would encourage more industry representatives to get involved as a Mentor in the Fellows Program. It's an initiative really worth participating in and is extremely rewarding. While your mentee may not end up joining your organization, you can still impart something that can be invaluable to their career growth and to the discovery of better medicines.

Tony Ndifor
2003-2005 Mentor
Director
Johnson and Johnson PRD