Guest feature: Sarah Pick is a marketing consultant with the BioTechnical Institute of Maryland. Follow BTI on Facebook and Twitter.

For the past 18 years, the BioTechnical Institute of Maryland (BTI) has been helping unemployed adults transition to work at life sciences companies. While even entry level in the biosciences involves significant training, BTI is able to provide free, specialized training for adults through the BTI Laboratory Associates Program, which includes the intensive bridge training program BioSTART.

BTI has successfully trained many unemployed and underemployed Baltimore City residents for new careers in life sciences. BTI is the only specialized program of its kind in Maryland and many of the graduates have continued in life sciences careers, and have continued their education with community college, four-year degrees and advanced degrees. Their work with life sciences companies often becomes more complex, as some move from the lab bench to more mid-level management careers.

How do BTI's programs benefit life sciences companies?
We work closely with our life sciences partners to design and deliver our curriculum. Our students learn cGMP (current good manufacturing practices) and techniques. Our graduates are well-trained, well-qualified and ready-to-hire technicians and personnel.

How can life sciences companies get involved?
We have internships and mentorships, partnering with many life sciences organizations, academic institutions, food and flavorings companies, environmental testing services and biohazard assessment firms. Our partners also contribute as guest lecturers, a quick one-time visit where you can share your story with our students. Let them know how you became interested in a science career or what a typical day is like for you. We customize our programs for the needs of the regional life sciences community.

What's involved in the internships?
Our internships can vary from several weeks to longer periods of time. The student's time is paid through our grants. This is an easy way to see if the student will fit within your company and its culture. Mentorships are customized to accommodate the schedule of the mentor. They can be life-changing for both!