Catching Up With: Mimi Matias

What year did you graduate from the Academy?

I graduated in August 2024.

Where are you currently working and what is your current title?

I am working at Harvard University’s FAS – Facility of Art and Science as a Flow Cytometry specialist at Bauer core.

How did you get into your current role?

I got my job thanks to the Academy! I interned with the Bauer core sequencing team and they wanted to keep me on, but they didn’t have any open positions. Instead, they moved me right next door to the Department of Immunology.

How did you go from the sequencing teams as an intern to employed in the Flow Cytometry lab?

During my internship I was so happy to learn as much as I could. So, I worked for a week in flow Cytometry but –  if you know anything about flow – it’s not a very easy concept to understand. So, in my down time, I looked up anything and everything I could and when I went back into the lab, I had a better understanding of what he was talking about. I didn’t like not understanding what my internship manager was talking about, so I often would stop and ask him to explain before he moved on to other important techniques I needed to learn.

The team liked that I was determined to learn – and learn from my mistakes. Towards the end of my internship I asked if there were open positions available. Unfortunately, there weren’t but I was able to join the flow cytometry core which is right next door. I am happy I got to stay close to my mentors. I am also thankful that the Academy gave me the confidence to ask to be hired and for pushing me into an unknown future that has been nothing but wonderful since I graduated.

What career skills did you find were most helpful? Can you speak particularly on when asking to expand your skills during your internship?

Everything! Time management, organization and most importantly, lab skills. When I first started, I made a lot of mistakes. But when my supervisor gave me feedback, I didn’t take it as an insult. Thanks to the Academy, I was able to learn that my mistakes aren’t a bad thing, they are a chance to learn.

Did you ask the Academy for support in this process?

Yes, when I didn’t understand what my supervisor was explaining, I immediately messaged my teachers to see if they could help me. And thanks to them, I learned to not be scared to ask questions. And if I am still lost, google it till it clicks!

Do you have any advice for alumni starting their career in this market?

Don’t be scared. The teachers at the Academy are your biggest fans and supporters. You have an opportunity to change your life, don’t be scared to take it. Also always listen to John, he is always right.