Since we have such a large number of well intentioned, regular posters in our Charlotte forum, I thought a thread such as this would help us all get to know a little more about each other. On a beneficial note, it could help some, including myself, expand their networking webs for job opportunities, etc. Of course, anyone is welcome to share their jobs here especially those relocating to the area. You don't necessarily have to list your employer but posting at least your field would help. I'll go first...
I've pretty much been in a career hiatus since July 2007. My background is in biochemistry and I have spent several years in the public and private sectors. Most of my experience is in public health, where most recently I was a microbiologist for a Bioterrorism unit in NC. This field is where I truly have my passion, but unfortunately the salary of that particular position just couldn't cut the cheese. Since January 2007 I've been looking for jobs all over the country--where ever I could obtain a position in biodefense/bioterrorism in a private or governmental agency. I've had several interviews but was mostly up against M.S. and PhDs or candidates with 5-10 years experience.
Obviously, outside of my former position with the BT unit, opportunities within my desired field are not in Charlotte. And after nearly a year and a half with no success in relocating to another state, I'm looking to redirect my career.
I've been temping since January as a Medical Technologist in Microbiology for Labcorp of America. I know it's a paycheck, but I feel like I'm wasting my brain every day there. I can't WAIT to find something else! In the meantime, and since last fall, I've been enrolled in a Graduate Certificate program at ECU (online) in Security Studies. It's basically emergency management with an emphasis on Homeland Security and the threat of terrorism.
So where do I want to go? I just met with an advisor at UNCC today to discuss getting my MBA. It seems that it will open up many new opportunities for me and will certainly help us stay in Charlotte where all of my family is. As of now, I'm looking to concentrate on emergency management or biotechnology.
With emergency management, I'd be interested in business continuity planning or contingency planning. I'm having a hard time finding firms in Charlotte who specialize in this type of consulting, so that may even turn out to be an entrepreneurial opportunity [If any of you steal this idea from me, at least have the courtesy to hire me!
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With the concentration on biotech, I'm thinking of the many opp.'s the new biotech campus will present with project management, clinical trial research, etc. My only problem currently is finding a list of tenants who have contracted with the campus.
I need to start networking within these fields as soon as possible. The following is a list of entities I will contact and I hope the list provides others with helpful information:
Contingency Planning Association of the Carolinas (CPAC) (http://www.cpaccarolinas.org/index.htm - broken link)
Charlotte Chamber
Charlotte Area SHRM - Welcome
http://www.charlottebiotechnology.com/
Charlotte News - View Local Charlotte Business News
Well, I hope this will turn out to be a good thread for everyone. I'm really interested in hearing what you regs do! There are many out there who are struggling in the current state of our economy, locally and nationally. I hope this thread contributes to someone crossing paths with another who they may otherwise have never met.
Please use Direct Messaging when appropriate!
Please use this thread to offer suggestions relating to anything about networking events, job fairs, and anything else jobs related I cannot think of.
Thanks to all who read this OP and I look forward to much discussion!!
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