Name: Oritseneye Mebaghanje 

Pronouns:He/Him

Semester of Internship:Summer 2024

Major: Mechanical Engineering 

Current Class Level:Senior

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name):Biogen Inc

Location of the Organization (City, State): Morrisville, North Carolina

Title of position:Facilities Engineering Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

My internship focused on facilities engineering in a bioprocessing environment. I improved my technical documentation skills by creating validation protocols for new GMP equipment and gained experience in troubleshooting using root cause analysis. My main projects included decommissioning obsolete temperature transmitters and installing directional flow stickers on ductwork and process lines (WFI, WPU, Clean Steam) to enhance readability for technicians and engineers. I also validated freezers and cold rooms to ensure compliance with GMP standards and worked with building management systems to monitor bioprocessing equipment.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I learned about this role in January 2024 through LinkedIn and applied that same month. The hiring process consisted of two interview stages. First, I had one interview with the hiring manager, where we discussed my background, technical skills, and how they aligned with the role. The final stage was a panel interview with multiple team members, where I had the opportunity to showcase my problem-solving abilities and understanding of the industry. The entire process took about a month from application to the final decision.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs, Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.), Alumni Networking, Handshake, LinkedIn or other social media

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

I had the incredible opportunity to intern at Biogen, where I learned so much about the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. One of my top accomplishments was networking with senior engineers, technicians, and my fellow interns, which helped me understand different career paths and build meaningful connections.

I also gained a comprehensive understanding of the role of Facilities Engineering in a pharmaceutical manufacturing company. Meeting one-on-one with my key stakeholders gave me insights into their roles, their backgrounds, and the challenges they face in their jobs.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I believe I made an impact by addressing and resolving audit findings from regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance and improving processes within my department. Additionally, I volunteered in the Biogen Community Lab, where I shared my experience as an intern, my journey to securing the internship, and my career goals to inspire and motivate K-12 students interested in STEM.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

"Never stop trying until you get to where you want to be, and when you get there, keep pushing to go even further."

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

The career center helped me a lot in the job search and interview process, specifically resume reviews, mock interviews, and tips on how to search for jobs on Handshake and Linkedin.

Recognize a UMBC Professor or Staff Member for Making an Impact on your Career Journey!

Has a professor or staff member gone above and beyond to support your career and job search journey, grad school dreams, or professional goals? Now’s your chance to show them some love and gratitude and recognize them as a UMBC Career Connector.

Did they:
✅ Inspire and help you explore potential career paths?
✅ Review your resume and make it shine?
✅ Connect you with alumni or employers?

✅ Write you an amazing letter of recommendation?
✅ Just make a positive impact in your life?

Say THANK YOU in a meaningful way! Each nominee will receive a small gift, a recognition certificate with your note, and a spotlight on our Instagram and LinkedIn during Career Month in April.

A career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) offers endless possibilities, from developing innovative technology to answering the world’s greatest questions. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for ways to advance toward your career, here are five key ways to prepare yourself for working in STEM:

1. Research Career Paths

STEM careers span a wide range of industries, including healthcare, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and data analytics. Take the time to explore different roles, required skills, and potential career trajectories and see what excites you most. Use resources like Steppingblocks and the Occupational Outlook Handbook that  provide valuable insights into job outlooks and salary expectations.

2. Gain Hands-On Experience

Internships, research projects, and co-op programs are excellent ways to gain real-world experience. Many companies offer STEM-focused internships that help students develop technical skills to build out a more competitive resume. Look for opportunities through Handshake by using the Jobs tab on the homepage, as well as on our Majors Resources pages.

3. Connect with Industry Professionals

Networking is crucial in any field, even in STEM. Follow the Career Center’s myUMBC page to get notified of upcoming events. Keep an eye on Handshake events as well. When you see something that seems relevant to you, attend these events to meet professionals and learn about job opportunities. You can also connect with UMBC alum through Retrievers Connect as well.

4. Develop Technical and Soft Skills

While technical skills like programming, data analysis, and engineering are important, employers also value soft skills. In fact, according to NACE, the top attributes employers seek are problem-solving skills, team work, and communication skills. Develop soft skills by taking online courses, joining student organizations, or working on personal projects to enhance these skill sets.

5. Stay Updated on Industry Trends

STEM fields evolve rapidly, so staying informed is key. Follow industry news, read research publications, and join professional associations related to your field of interest. Keeping up with trends in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybersecurity can help you stay competitive in the job market.

Take the Next Step

A career in STEM is full of opportunities, but preparation is key. Start building your network and explore your career paths today by attending the BEYA STEM DTX Career Fair and Conference. This event is an excellent way to connect with recruiters, learn about job openings and internship opportunities, and gain valuable industry insights. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your STEM career to the next level. Registration to travel with UMBC closes end-of-day on February 11^th, but you can also register on the BEYA website should you miss the deadline.

Good luck!