After nearly two decades at a leading genetic diagnostics company, Renee Varga found herself at a professional crossroads. A trained scientist who began her career at the NIH, Renee had gradually moved away from the lab bench into administrative and personnel management roles. But when her position was eliminated in late 2024, she realized that despite her wealth of experience, she lacked the specific skill set many local biotech and pharmaceutical employers in Maryland were seeking.
“I had been at this company for almost 19 years,” Renee explained. “But most of my work had shifted away from the bench. I didn’t have direct experience in pharma or manufacturing, and I knew I needed to build those skills to be competitive.”
That’s when she discovered BioTrain, Montgomery College’s workforce development program tailored to life sciences professionals. She initially came across the opportunity after being turned away from a federal job fair reserved for recently laid-off government employees—a moment that unexpectedly became a turning point.
“I was told about other resources like BioTrain, BioBuzz, and others,” Renee said.
Jumpstarting a New Skill Set
Renee enrolled in two BioTrain courses: Supply Chain “Dynamics” and Quality Control in Biomanufacturing. Both were designed to be hands-on, collaborative, and directly applicable to industry standards.
“I had some background in both areas,” she noted, “but these courses helped me translate my previous experience into the language of biotech manufacturing.”
What stood out most to Renee was how interactive and practical the courses were. The workshops included group projects, real-time auditing exercises in lab settings, and assignments like writing and critiquing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
A Welcoming Community of Learners
Beyond the technical skills, Renee found a community of peers navigating similar transitions. “We had folks from the FDA, AstraZeneca, even a biology professor,” she said. “Some were unemployed like me; others were just trying to level up in their current roles.”
One of the most meaningful takeaways for Renee was the collaboration that extended beyond the classroom. “I ended up reviewing a classmate’s resume and even referred him for a position at my former company,” she said. “It felt great to support each other through this journey.”
BioTrain as a Launchpad
Renee has since taken additional training through BioHub and obtained her CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification through Maryland’s WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) program. These initiatives opened doors to diverse roles, including quality control, biotech auditing, and even lab construction–an area she hadn’t previously considered.
“One company told me that my combination of lab experience, project management training, and quality control understanding would be ideal for helping design and renovate lab spaces that meet compliance standards,” she said. “That’s something I never would have considered before these trainings.”
A Word to Future Participants
Renee hopes others considering BioTrain will see the program not just as a course, but as a stepping stone to reinvention. “The instructors were incredibly supportive and always open to questions. They provided us with real applications to use in our careers,” she said.
She also encourages participants to approach the experience with commitment. “These courses are a gift. Show up on time. Be present. You’ll get out what you put in.”
Looking Ahead
Renee believes in the transformative power of programs like BioTrain. “I was finally able to explain what I bring to the table in terms companies can understand. That’s thanks to BioTrain and the wider ecosystem that’s grown around it.” Shortly after completing these classes, Renee accepted a position at Medstar Health’s Georgetown University’s Transplant Institute. “Though I’m not in the biotech manufacturing setting, I am able to use the skills I learned about procurement, supply management and quality control in my new position.”
For anyone considering a pivot into biotech or trying to upskill, Renee has one message: “even if you feel intimidated or that it’s too late, as I did, just give it a shot. There are so many supportive people and organizations willing to help, such as BioTrain, BioBuzz, BioHub, WIB (Women in Bio), and WIOA, just to name a few who have helped me.”
About the Program
Dr. Meena Chandok, the BioTrain Program Director and Biotechnology Program Manager, leads the development and execution of training courses with a strong focus on aligning content with current industry needs. She ensures that each training/workshop delivers practical, up-to-date knowledge, equipping participants with the skills and insights necessary to succeed in the rapidly evolving biomanufacturing landscape.
To learn more about BioTrain and upcoming workshops, visit Montgomery College’s BioTrain site.
