STEM Student Success Stories

When Aurelio Valle graduated from Citrus College in 2016 with a Certificate in Biomanufacturing, he left the biotechnology program with more than technical knowledge. He also gained the confidence and preparation he needed to begin a career in the biotechnology industry.

That same year, Valle was hired by Grifols Biologicals LLC, where he began working in October 2016. He now serves as a supervisor in the intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) department.

In his current role, Valle oversees a wide range of responsibilities related to manufacturing, quality, safety and staff development. His work includes conducting real-time audits of manufacturing work orders, monitoring process flow to minimize losses, preparing for Food and Drug Administration and internal audits, writing change requests and equipment repair requests, revising procedures and implementing safety protocols. He also handles timecards and participates in interviews for new hires and internal promotions.

For Valle, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is knowing that his work serves patients. "The fact that I do my best to provide quality and purity of product to our patients makes me feel proud to work at Grifols," he said. He also values the opportunity to develop new technicians so they can continue what he describes as the legacy of Grifols.

Valle credits the Citrus College Biotechnology program with providing the foundation he needed to enter the manufacturing field. "This biotech program at Citrus College gave me the basic training I needed for the role of manufacturing technician," he said. Although he did not have previous manufacturing experience when he interviewed with Grifols, the training he received at Citrus College helped him approach the opportunity with confidence.

The program's career preparation also proved valuable. Resume-building and interviewing workshops helped prepare Valle for the hiring process. "During my interview with Grifols, all my answers were smooth and well-executed," he said. "Although I did not have experience in the manufacturing business, what I learned in the program gave me confidence and increased my chances of being hired, contributing to my subsequent success at Grifols."

From earning a biomanufacturing certificate to supervising an IVIG department, Valle's experience demonstrates how technical training, career preparation and confidence can help students move from the classroom into the biotechnology workforce.

For more information about the Citrus College Biotechnology program, contact Dr. Eleanor Tsark at etsark@citruscollege.edu.

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