Unlock Your Future: 2024 Biotechnology and Health Career and Internship Fair at Northwest High School!

Join us at the Northwest High School Academy of Biotechnology’s 2024 Biotechnology and Health Career and Internship Fair, a unique opportunity for high school students to connect with powerful biotechnology leaders. Engage in insightful discussions and explore diverse career paths in the rapidly evolving fields of biotechnology and healthcare.

Shreya Jolly | November 7, 2024

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The Northwest High School Academy of Biotechnology is thrilled to announce its Annual Biotechnology and Health Career and Internship Fair, taking place on December 11th, 2024. This event is an invaluable opportunity for students eager to explore dynamic pathways in the biotechnology and health sectors. Hosted in the welcoming environment of the Northwest High School Cafeteria, this year’s fair aims to connect aspiring professionals with leading organizations, fostering the development of future talent in these rapidly evolving fields.

A Platform for Future Innovators

From 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, the fair will kick off with an Opening and Welcome session led by Mr. Avi Silber, the Coordinator of the Academy of Biotechnology. He has worked tirelessly to make this event both exciting and enriching for students like you. 

“Our younger students are looking to be engaged, entertained, and exposed to the flashy and cool parts of jobs and careers. Whereas, our older and more advanced students have often already had experience or training through our Biotech program, and so they are looking into learning about real job and internship opportunities now or in the near future,” explains Silber. 

This fair is designed to meet your needs, whether you’re just starting to explore career options or seeking concrete job leads. You can look forward to six engaging sessions that focus on specific themes within biotechnology and health. One of the highlights will be a Career Panel Seminar led by Dr. Aubrey Watkins, where you can gain valuable insights into different career paths from seasoned professionals. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask about the daily responsibilities, required skills, and strategies for success in these fields.

Engaging with Leading Organizations

The fair will showcase an array of reputable organizations, each contributing uniquely to the biotechnology and healthcare landscape. You will have the chance to visit booths from notable institutions like Holy Cross Health, BioNTech, and the FDA, among others. Each organization will present opportunities ranging from internships to full-time positions, ensuring that you can explore a multitude of options.

Holy Cross Health for instance will host open-ended drop-in sessions and presentations tailored to career seekers, highlighting their commitment to community healthcare. BioNTech, known for its groundbreaking work in mRNA technology, will share insights into its innovative cancer therapies and vaccines. Finally, the FDA’s various branches will provide students with a chance to learn about regulatory practices and the importance of public health.

As Silber notes, “When an organization shares that they would like to come, we share an RSVP form, and they let us know what type of experience students can expect from their table. The itinerary that we share with attendees reflects the RSVP responses, so students with limited time know which tables to visit based on their own goals.” This way, your students can focus on the booths and presentations most relevant to their interests and goals.

Optimize Your Visit

To maximize your experience, come prepared! Bring notepads and laptops to jot down insights, questions, and key takeaways from each session. Engage actively with speakers and representatives, ready to network and learn.

A “living itinerary” will be available a few weeks before the fair, allowing you to plan your visits strategically. By doing so, you can ensure that your time and energy are spent on the sessions that best align with your career aspirations.

Silber recommends reviewing this itinerary in advance, “We recommend students begin planning out which organizations they want to visit and find out more from.”

Following Up After the Fair

After the event, many representatives will provide contact details or business cards, making it easy to follow up. Students are also welcome to reach out to Mr. Silber for assistance with connecting to representatives, “I can put them in touch with representatives if they’d like to follow up,” he says, emphasizing the fair’s commitment to building long-term career connections. Remember, this internship fair is more than just a gathering; it’s a vital bridge connecting you to potential employers, mentors, and a wealth of knowledge. Participating in this event can help you clarify your career path, network with industry leaders, and uncover the myriad opportunities that await you in biotechnology and health.