The Job Forum Visits Las Lomas High School
In addition to hosting our free Good Careers for Young People virtual events on zoom for young people 15-25, the Job Forum Workforce of the Future program also meets with students in person for career panels, mock interviews, and other career-focused activities.
We recently had the opportunity to visit students at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek to discuss careers in biotech and healthcare. Our expert Job Forum panelists were Derrick Richardson, a Biotechnology Operations & HR Executive formerly with Alumis; Betiel Hadgu Haile, a Medical and Scientific Affairs Professional at Roche; and Robin Thomas, also a Medical and Scientific Affairs Professional at Roche.
Students listened attentively as the panelists shared their career paths, highlighted the wide range of roles in biotech and healthcare, and described the skills needed to succeed. The students, ranging in age from sophomores to seniors, were highly engaged and asked thoughtful questions about relevant areas of study, educational choices, and how to navigate or pivot as they plan their future careers, including how to adapt as they learn new information about themselves, respond to emerging technologies, and adjust to the rapid evolution of the biotech and healthcare fields.
The panelists also underscored the importance of developing interpersonal skills, presentation skills, and emotional intelligence alongside strong scientific and technical capabilities.
Overall, it was a meaningful and positive experience for both students and panelists. We look forward to continuing to connect with young professionals across the Bay Area through the Workforce of the Future program. Our sincere thanks go out to The Miranda a Lux Foundation which supports The Job Forum and the Workforce of the Future program. If you are interested in participating in Workforce of the Future events, please contact janet@thejobforum.org or signup on the job from volunteer form on our website: https://thejobforum.org/volunteer-with-us/ .
Megan Slater, Director Job Forum youth program, Linkedin.com/in/meganslater
