Biotech Beat: Finding a career you love--AFTER you retire!

Tune in to the February 24, 2025 episode of the Biotech Beat podcast, where Cesar brings us into his path from law enforcement to biotechnology. Cesar works at Novo Nordisk in North Carolina after retiring from law enforcement. He heard that there was a big biotech presence in Clayton, North Carolina where he lived so Cesar thought it would be a good move--and it was! He is currently an Operator I in utilities and RMF (Risk Management Framework), working with raw materials and solvents. His job involves monitoring and managing the utilities and raw materials for the Novo Nordisk production plant. Everything is pretty much automated but must be closely watched and documented so that when the next shift takes over (Cesar works the night shift) the transition goes smoothly. Throughout the night he and the team will "go, look, see", not just watch the monitors, since no system is perfect. He also alerts the maintenance crews if anything seems out of alignment so that the equipment runs smoothly.

Cesar's first day at Novo Nordisk was wonderful but nerve-wracking.  He was very glad that his training at Johnston Community College (JCC) prepared him well for his new field. Cesar says there are a lot of opportunities at the company, with additional training and ways to move up the ladder. Cesar had gone from high school to the Marine Corps, to the Cleveland, OH police department and then moved down to North Carolina to be closer to his daughters, and to enjoy the better weather. After a brief stint at Caterpillar, he looked around and was hired by Grifols before he even had his certification! He signed up at JCC, got into the biotechnology certification program, and the DeltaV certification which he believes made the difference in his hiring at Novo Nordisk. He credits his success to both the skills he learned throughout his life, but also to the teachers and administrators at JCC who supported him, and helped him realize he could accomplish his goals. He now feels he has discovered himself again, and really belongs in his career--he didn't know what he was looking for, but he found it and feels rejuvenated! He may even go on and get his Associate's degree!

Cesar's advice:  Give it a try, believe in yourself and your program--Cesar wants retired police officers to know that this is a great field to go into and continue to help mankind!

Tune in on Spotify,  iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts for more of Cesar's story and why he thinks the biopharmaceutical field is a great place to be!