When Liam Eckhoff, of Chelmsford, decided to go back to school, he wanted an option that was affordable and allowed him to work at the same time. Through Middlesex Community College’s Biotechnology Learn and Earn Experience, he started a paid internship at Ultragenyx while taking classes toward an associate degree. A year away from graduating, he already received a full-time job offer from the company.
“The biggest thing that caught my eye was the duo of being able to go to work and school and not have conflicts with the schedule,” Eckhoff said. “The internship was a big way for me to get my foot in the door and gave me time to build relationships. People understood I was there to learn and grow, and I was able to network. I’m super excited.”
Since he was paying for college himself, Eckhoff waited to go back to school until he knew what he wanted to pursue for a career. He found a passion for working in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) as a Cultivation and Extraction Technician for a medical cannabis facility and started at MCC with an interest in Chemistry. When he realized the value of the Learn and Earn model, Eckhoff changed his major.
“The internship was a big way for me to get my foot in the door and gave me time to build relationships. People understood I was there to learn and grow, and I was able to network. I’m super excited.” – Liam Eckhoff, MCC Student
Seeing how his biotechnology classes and lab work at Middlesex related to the field reinforced for Eckhoff that he was on the right track. Calling the experience “rewarding,” he appreciated how each of MCC’s courses built off of the previous ones, developing his skillset and confidence. In the lab, Eckhoff also learned standard safety practices that made him feel more comfortable in his work environment at Ultragenyx.
“It was nice being able to show people in the workforce that I do have those skills and I think it’s well-appreciated in the industry,” he said. “Having a state-of-the-art lab that is so close and up-to-date with what’s in the industry today made it a seamless transition once I got into the field.”
Eckhoff believes MCC makes it easier for students to balance school and work responsibilities through supportive faculty and staff. Before starting classes, he was nervous and unsure if he was going to be successful. A Chemistry class with MCC professor Paul Patev helped change his perspective and made Eckhoff realize his own potential.
“Every time I hit a bump in the road, MCC faculty picked me up off the ground and helped keep me moving,” Eckhoff said. “They always make sure that when you need someone to reach out to that they’re responsive and quick. I feel really supported.”
With MCC’s Learn and Earn Experience, Eckhoff has found a clear path to his future. After he graduates from Middlesex, he hopes to transfer to Northeastern University and continue his education and trajectory in the biotechnology field. His time at MCC is his foundation.
“This program is what helped instill this confidence in me that I have today and believing I can make a difference in myself and the world around me by putting my best foot forward – even if it scares me,” he said. “Knowing that there is support and help out there is important.”