Career Catalyst: Building Your Professional Network Before Graduation

​Networking is one of the most valuable skills you can develop during your academic journey—and it’s never too early to start. Join us for an engaging conversation with Allyssa Willcox & Keira Mull, ISPE Chesapeake Bay Area Student Committee Leaders as they share practical strategies for building a strong professional network before graduation.

​You’ll learn:
- Why networking matters in life sciences and engineering careers
- Actionable tips for connecting with peers, mentors, and industry professionals
- How joining ISPE and similar organizations can open doors to internships, jobs, and mentorship opportunities

​Whether you’re a student preparing for your first role or planning your long-term career, this session will equip you with the tools to make meaningful connections that last.

​​About Career Catalyst

​​Interested in getting hands-on insights and help from subject matter and career experts within the industry?! Well, look no further than our weekly virtual Career Catalyst Community Office Hours.

​​BioBuzz is thrilled to welcome a different expert every week exclusively for our talent community. LIMITED SPOTS are available to ensure an intimate setting and face time for all participants.

​​What is the goal of Career Catalyst?

• ​​To directly connect talent with industry and subject matter experts

• ​​Provide hands-on insights and best practices to level up in a particular area of expertise

• ​​Review and answer burning questions submitted by YOU

​​Who can attend these sessions?

​​Anyone! While this event is part of our BioBuzz Talent Lab, it is open to all. Interested in more resources like this? Register for free today: https://app.biobuzz.io/

​About Keira Mull

​Keira Mull is a Bioburden Control Specialist with nearly a year of experience driving cross-functional improvements, leading impactful projects, and supporting critical investigations that enhance product safety and quality. Passionate about continuous improvement and collaboration, she brings a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset to every challenge. Keira is currently pursuing dual master’s degrees in Biotechnology and Management, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), further strengthening her foundation in both science and leadership.

​Outside of her professional role, Keira serves as Co-Lead of the ISPE Chesapeake Bay Area (CBA) Chapter’s Student Committee and as a Board Member. Alongside fellow graduate student Allyssa Cochrane, she saw an opportunity to give back and offer students the advice and support they wish they had just a few years ago. Since the committee’s formation earlier this year, they’ve built meaningful connections with local universities, faculty, and students. Their mission is to guide students as they transition into the pharmaceutical industry—not just as today’s emerging talent, but as tomorrow’s emerging leaders. 

​About Allyssa Wilcox

​Allyssa Wilcox is a Sourcing Manager supporting Site Operations Procurement at AstraZeneca. She has been working at AstraZeneca for 6 years, with previous experience in Quality Control testing before her transition to Procurement. In her role in Procurement, she supports sourcing and contracting initiatives for various large Capital and Engineering projects and resource needs at the AZ site. She also leads an early career development focused employee resource group, promoting networking and cross functional learning. Since graduating from University of Virginia in 2019 with a Biology degree, Allyssa has progressed on to complete a Masters in Biotechnology and Engineering and a Project Management certificate, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Business Administration

​About ISPE CBA Student Committee

​Formed earlier this year, the ISPE Chesapeake Bay Area (CBA) Chapter Student Committee was created to help bridge the gap between academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Led by graduate students Keira Mull and Allyssa Cochrane, the committee aims to provide the guidance, resources, and support they wish they had when first exploring their career paths.

​Since its launch, the Student Committee has built meaningful relationships with local universities, faculty, and students—creating a collaborative network focused on professional growth and community engagement. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to help students confidently transition into the life sciences workforce, not only as emerging talent but as the next generation of industry leaders.

​​Sponsored by Bio-Trac

​​Over 17,000 Scientists Trained • 300 Scientist Instructors

​​Bio-Trac® workshops, open to the scientific community, are designed by active researchers to equip bench and research scientists with the latest lab techniques. With over 30 years of expertise, Bio-Trac offers training on cutting-edge biotechnology advancements to a global audience across all biotech sectors. Learn more: https://biotrac.com/

​​Disclaimer: Career Catalyst Sessions are intended to provide insights, guidance, and support for professionals navigating their careers. These sessions are not a platform for selling services, recruitment pitches, or business solicitations. They are designed for job seekers and those looking to make connections and build community. Please be respectful and help ensure this remains a valuable resource for all participants.