Makayla Beckford ’19 is an Executive Recruiter at PharmaLogics Recruiting, a bio-pharmaceutical recruiting firm in Quincy, MA. Beckford is assigned to recruit on a variety of roles for biotech and pharmaceutical companies across the United States.
“The majority of my outreach is cold-calling,” she says, “so it has taken me out of my comfort zone.”
But her time at Simmons prepared her for this shift. “My coursework equipped me with the skills I use daily.” She notes the value of time management skills, which she honed while balancing school, extracurriculars, and internships.
“My internships also prepared me for my first position,” she says. “I worked full days, in addition to having school work and a part-time job. It was good training, as my workdays can be long.”
Beckford values the small, intimate setting Simmons provided. “You can get to know your classmates and professors in each community.” Though small, Simmons students are still well-connected. “The School of Business introduced me to the world of networking, which is crucial. It opens the door for countless opportunities.”
She recommends that students explore internship opportunities while at Simmons. “Internships offer exposure to different kinds of work environments, allowing you to envision what that career path may look like on a daily basis. It empowers you to craft your future career.”