50 Years of Co-op: James Walsh

Tell us a bit about yourself, what course did you study in UL, what has your career looked like to date?

I studied Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry after initially choosing a science pathway. After graduation, I started working at Regeneron along with many others from UL. I worked there for two years, learning a lot, specifically that I don’t like night shifts. By then, it was time to move on, and I found an opportunity in a brand new industry that was just emerging: cell-cultivated meat. The company, Gourmey, is a cell-based meat startup based in Paris that focuses on developing ethical foie gras from duck ESCs (embryonic stem cells). It has been an amazing experience working closely with such brilliant minds on this cutting-edge project. I really have to credit the co-op program at UL for allowing me to start building relevant experience early.

Tell us a bit about your co-op placement, what organisation did you work with and what year it took place?

I started my co-op at Pfizer Grange Castle in January 2019. I worked in the Tech Ops department in the drug substance building and got to see how a large, well-run pharmaceutical site operates. The team I worked with conducted investigations on any problems or questions at the bioprocessing site, from contaminations to devices being out of calibration. I was allowed to assist with larger projects and handle smaller ones on my own. Aside from the more technical skills, the experience gave me the practice and confidence to do small but important things like properly sending or answering emails, behaving appropriately in meetings, and presenting myself professionally.

What impact did your co-op placement have on your future career?

The impact that my co-op had on the development of my career is hard to overstate. It was the main reason I specialized in bioprocessing when my education was in chemistry. It’s the reason I got my first job in the pharmaceutical industry. By extension, it’s the reason I was able to work in Paris at a sci-fi-like startup and embarrass myself speaking French.

Aside from all the technical and soft skills I learned, it also helped me build relationships with a number of people whom I have returned to multiple times for advice and references. In short, it’s a great opportunity that opens a world of possibilities for you.

What piece of advice would you give to students going on co-op now?

My advice to students would be to keep an open mind and try to learn as much as you can from the experience. Even if it is not your ideal role use the opportunity to develop your professional and technical skills so that you can move into different positions after graduation.