Page 23 - Skills 2022
P. 23
The company is also committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts and recruits for entry-level positions from various Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as well as local colleges such as Pace University, Mercy College, SUNY Westchester Community College, and the CUNY system. While job fairs are key to recruitment efforts, Thomas notes that openings are also posted on LinkedIn and employer referrals serve as an important tool in recruiting viable candidates.
Regeneron’s commitment to STEM education is exemplified in its robust internship program for college students. In 2021, the company had 424 summer interns, which was a smaller cohort because interns couldn’t work in the labs due to COVID. This year, the company is planning on 513 summer interns and 80 co-ops, which usually last a semester and often continue through the summer. Thomas notes that Regeneron now has a steady stream of alumni interns and co-op participants; some have even been offered full-
time employment a few years post- internship. Additionally, the company converts many contract workers who work in general or administrative roles. “It is a great opportunity to learn and
“Not everyone that works for Regeneron
is a scientist. You have ... groundskeepers, administrative assistants, HR workers, and IT specialists.”
—Bridget Gibbons, Director of Economic Development, Westchester County
see different parts of the business, gain exposure and then make an educated decision about the right department for you,” adds Thomas.
Thomas notes that while candidates at all levels are expected to come to Regeneron with the skills listed in the job description, the company also provides in-house career development and has a dedicated group focused
on learning and training. Entry-level candidates take online classes through a system called Regeneron U to learn different facets of the company, plus the LinkedIn Learning website helps employees brush up on skills such as Excel if needed. The most important quality that Thomas looks for in candidates is agility. “Our workplace
is ever changing and we need people
who can thrive in that environment.” And workers who thrive in that type
of environment and perform well are rewarded handsomely. While Regeneron, like several other biotech companies
in the region, does not publish salary ranges, all full-time workers receive
a base salary, plus an opportunity for bonuses and equity in the company, whether through restricted stock or options. “We are all shareholders and this helps all our full-time employees build wealth,” Thomas says.
Below: A lab scientist works in Regeneron’s Infectious Disease lab, where the company discovered its COVID-19 and Ebola antibody medicines. Regeneron employs approximately 4,400 workers in Westchester County.
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed. 2022 SKILLS 21
© Courtesy of Regeneron