On October 3, 2023, students and employees from Middlesex Community College (MCC) participated in a visit to Pfizer Inc. in Andover, Massachusetts, in celebration of Manufacturing Day. This event aimed to provide attendees with insights into current industry practices, expectations, and workforce requirements. The experience was designed to foster stronger pathways for student internships and job opportunities in the biotechnology sector.
Livia Fernandes, an assistant professor of biotechnology at MCC, highlighted the significance of the visit. “This experience was highly valuable for students, providing firsthand exposure to real-world biomanufacturing environments,” she stated. The event allowed participants to connect classroom concepts with industry applications, understand various career options, and interact directly with professionals in the field. According to Fernandes, the Pfizer team’s welcoming and professional demeanor contributed to an engaging learning environment.
During the visit, MCC representatives attended presentations and engaged in a question-and-answer session. Pfizer employees shared their academic backgrounds, career paths, and roles within the organization. A poster session presented additional opportunities across different departments, offering students a broader view of potential career pathways in biotechnology.
A tour of Pfizer’s facilities was also a key component of the day. Students observed advanced biotechnology production processes and gained insight into the daily operations within Pfizer and the broader industry. A representative from Pfizer remarked, “Pfizer Andover was thrilled to participate in this year’s Manufacturing Day. While Manufacturing Day originated in the United States, it has grown into a global observance that honors the dedication of professionals within the manufacturing industry.”
The representative noted that Pfizer welcomed 60 students from various institutions, including UMass Lowell and Greater Lawrence Technical School, in addition to MCC, to celebrate the occasion and provide valuable information about current manufacturing practices and innovations in the field.
MCC and Pfizer have established a partnership through the college’s Biotechnology Learn and Earn Program. This initiative allows MCC students to work in paid positions at Pfizer while pursuing their associate degrees. The visit on October 3 further strengthened this collaboration, aligning with MCC’s goal to connect students with real-world career opportunities early in their academic journeys.
According to Cindy Xiong, a professor of engineering at MCC, the visit was a “unique and inspiring” experience. She emphasized the importance of helping students understand the competitive nature of internships and co-op programs, such as those offered by Pfizer. “Hearing from employees who advanced through apprenticeship programs also demonstrated alternative pathways to successful careers without traditional four-year degrees, broadening students’ options,” Xiong explained.
MCC plans to continue nurturing connections with Pfizer’s recruitment contacts, which will assist students in accessing competitive internships and apprenticeships, thereby supporting their transition into the biotech workforce. The collaboration exemplifies the commitment of both MCC and Pfizer to inspire and prepare the next generation of professionals in the biomanufacturing industry.
