Veteran Employees Bringing Their Best Selves to Cell Therapy Careers
Christopher, Supervisor of Inventory Management, CAR T Warehouse Operations, served in the Marine Corps for 22 years where he was involved in aviation operations and logistics. These were highly specialized roles that demanded a specific skillset, knowledge of complex regulations, and an incredible attention to detail.
When he left the service and entered the private sector, he applied his experience in various operations positions for a few years before discovering a whole new opportunity at BMS — Warehouse Operations Lead in CAR T Cell Therapy, another highly specialized role that was perfectly suited for his skillset and background.
“In the Marines, there was quality control. There was quality assurance. So, working for a pharma company that also had those same aspects was no surprise. Instead of flying airplanes, we’re delivering medicines.” Leveraging his military and private-sector leadership experience, including as a senior instructor in the Marines, Christopher was soon promoted to his current position as Supervisor. He believes this kind of commitment to excel is second nature to many veterans.
“Having that constant change is definitely a help because nothing in the military is ever really stress-free, so to be able to work under pressure and multitask to get everything done quickly is an advantage,” said Christopher.
Recent veteran Johnathan, who after serving in the Air Force as a maintenance crew chief, enjoyed just about “two weeks off” before joining BMS as a Material Handler, also with the CAR T Cell Therapy team. “I like to stay busy and was excited to start my next venture outside the military as soon as possible.”
He chose BMS because of the personal connection he had to the company’s mission, and CAR T specifically because, like Christopher, it aligned with the skills he acquired in the Air Force.
Veteran Skillsets Apply to Biopharma
Constant attention to detail and an ability to effectively multitask took on a whole new meaning for both veterans at BMS. CAR T Cell Therapy, which must quickly provide customized medicine to late-stage cancer patients, often operates at a high level of urgency — and pressure. Efficiency, a can-do attitude and teamwork are key.
This has motivated each veteran to explore new ways of working among their respective teams. Johnathan, for instance, took on additional responsibilities including an initiative to improve processes, which not only got him noticed, but also led to a new role within the organization.
“It’s great to have a job that has some more meaning behind it, like in the Air Force, where I was serving my country and seeing the bigger picture. My work in CAR T makes me proud to be a part of BMS.”
Christopher evaluates success one patient at a time.
“With CAR T it’s not like you’re just mass producing a pill everybody takes. Our process is focused on one person, providing therapies tailored to an individual. Therefore, everything we do impacts that one patient, which adds more satisfaction and pride in what we do. We’re successful because it means something to that person fighting a serious disease. My father passed away from cancer, so I’m inspired to do what I can for others.”
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