The MLSC’s Pathmaker program funds industry-aligned training programs that address critical skills and talent supply gaps and connects skilled, diverse workers with life science career opportunities in Massachusetts. We sat down with Pathmaker graduate Abraham Barrientos to get a first-hand look into his experience with the program, and how it led to him securing a role at Repligen in Waltham, MA.
Can you start off with some background on yourself? Where are you from, and what’s your experience with Massachusetts?
I was born and raised in Chelsea. I’ve always been a Massachusetts resident. Both of my parents were immigrants. My mom is from Guatemala and my dad is from El Salvador. They came to the U.S. in the ’90s and we’ve been here ever since.
Could you provide some background information on your previous job before starting Pathmaker? How did you learn about the program?
Before Pathmaker, I was a BMW technician for just under four years. I studied automotive technology at MassBay Community College. One day at work, I was fixing an older BMW 3 Series with a radio that wouldn’t turn off, and while working on the car, I heard an ad for Pathmaker on Magic 106.7. It talked about switching career fields and joining the biotech industry with no prior experience needed, which really caught my attention. I went to the website that night, and that was the start of my Pathmaker journey.
What made you interested in a career in the life sciences?
I didn’t have any prior life sciences experience, but I was open to change. I had been thinking about working in healthcare or something similar which would be more personally impactful. When I did some research into biotech, it looked like a field with long-term potential. The ad also mentioned career growth, which really stood out to me. It wasn’t just a job. It could lead to something greater.
What stood out to you during the Pathmaker training at Myra EB Systems?
The virtual reality training at Myra definitely stood out the most. It was immersive like a video game. We used the headset and joysticks to simulate real lab environments and tasks. I’d never used VR before, but it helped make the training more hands-on and engaging. Also, the flexibility offered by the course was huge for me. I’d been out of school for years, and jumping back into a traditional classroom would have been hard. The training program worked with our schedules, even letting us take the VR gear home to practice. The one-on-one support made a big difference in my learning experience.
What was your favorite aspect of the program?
The community. I went through the program with a small group, and we got to know each other well. People came from all kinds of backgrounds such as computer science, personal training, and business. It really showed how Pathmaker brings people together from all walks of life toward a common goal. We supported each other a lot, which made the learning experience easier and more enjoyable.
Can you tell us more about your current role at Repligen?
I’m a Manufacturing Associate for the OPUS Columns team. I pack chromatography resin columns used for protein purification, which are sent out to a variety of life science companies. I work mainly on the 2.5 cm columns and handle everything from packing and sanitizing to documentation and quality assurance. Each step has to meet the required specs before the product is shipped out.
What have you liked most about working at Repligen so far?
I’ve only been at Repligen for about three months, but I’ve learned so much. Besides packing, I’ve shadowed other departments such as assembly, buffer prep, quality assurance, and even engineering. I learn best by watching and doing, so getting hands-on experience has helped me improve quickly. The team here has been really open to helping me grow.
How was your transition into this role after Pathmaker?
Honestly, it was really smooth thanks to Pathmaker. During our training, they helped with resume building, job prep, and networking. Even after the program ended, they continued to support us. They asked about our goals, helped us identify roles that fit our interests, and stayed in touch through events and outreach. Their support made me feel confident walking into interviews and transitioning into this new field.
What are your long-term career goals moving forward?
I’d like to grow into a supervisor position someday, maybe a role in materials management. I plan to keep learning from my mentors and building on what I started in the Pathmaker program. I know I’m still new to the field, but I’m excited to keep moving forward.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining Pathmaker?
Just go for it. If you’re even slightly curious or wondering if there’s more out there, take the initiative. I’d planned my whole career around being a mechanic, and it served me well, but I wanted more. This program opened up a new path I hadn’t considered. You never know where it could lead, and you might meet people who’ll support you along the way.
I’m really grateful for this program. I didn’t have a degree in the life sciences field, but Pathmaker gave me the skills and confidence to walk into a lab and keep up. For anyone thinking about joining Pathmaker, this program is definitely worth it.
Pathmaker is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Click here to learn more about the program, and to see how you can start your own journey towards a career in the life sciences.
