Pedro Borrero served as a Petty Officer Third Class in the U.S. Navy before transitioning to a civilian career in the Massachusetts life sciences industry. After completing Bioversity’s free, eight-week Biotech Career Foundations program in Boston, he landed a role as a Lab Technician supporting biotech environments through Venture Forward Lab Partners.

Pedro came to Bioversity without prior lab or life sciences experience. What he had was discipline, a safety mindset, and a decade of operational leadership developed in the Navy. Bioversity helped him translate those strengths into the language and skills of a GMP lab environment. Below, Pedro shares his experience in his own words.

What were you doing before Bioversity?

Before joining Bioversity, I served as a Petty Officer Third Class in the U.S. Navy. I led small boat operations, replenishments at sea, and supervised safety-critical evolutions involving millions of gallons of fuel and cargo transfers. I was responsible for training and qualifying junior sailors, preserving ship spaces, and ensuring mission success without mishaps.

When I began transitioning out of the military, I knew I wanted a career that maintained structure, purpose, and impact — but in a different environment. I was searching for a way to translate my leadership, safety mindset, and operational discipline into the civilian world.

What motivated you to join Bioversity?

I was motivated by opportunity and long-term growth, especially here in Massachusetts, where biotech is so impactful. My interest started when my best friend at Alnylam introduced me to the industry and showed me the day-to-day operations of his role. When I learned about Bioversity, it felt like the perfect bridge to help me transition into a meaningful, long-term career in life sciences.

What was your experience like during the training program?

The program was structured, immersive, and eye-opening. I appreciated how it combined technical lab knowledge with professional development. It wasn’t just about learning terminology — it was about understanding lab environments, safety culture, documentation standards, and how biotech companies
actually function. Coming from the military, I respected the discipline and expectations of the program. It pushed me outside my comfort zone in a good way.

How did Bioversity help you build the skills or confidence needed for your current role?

Bioversity helped me understand how my military experience translated into biotech. I already had leadership, risk assessment, operational planning, and safety discipline. The program helped me connect those strengths to lab operations, GMP environments, and biotech standards. It gave me the language and context I needed to walk into interviews with confidence and articulate my value.

What aspects of the program had the biggest impact on you?

The biggest impact was the combination of: Structured training; Exposure to real-world lab standards; Professional mentorship; and Career preparation support. Also, the community aspect mattered. Being around other transitioning professionals created accountability and drive.

Was there a specific moment you realized you were on the right path?

Yes. There was a moment when I realized that biotech operates on the same foundation I grew up on in the Navy — precision, compliance, safety, documentation, teamwork, and mission focus. When I understood that labs rely on systems and discipline the same way a ship does, it
clicked. I wasn’t starting over — I was evolving.

What are you doing now in your career, post-Bioversity?

Today, I work in lab operations as a Lab Technician, supporting biotech environments through Venture Forward Lab Partners. My current role at one of our client sites involves maintaining lab readiness, supporting scientists, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and helping keep operations running smoothly.

How has your life changed since completing Bioversity’s workforce training program?

The biggest change has been direction. After the military, there can be uncertainty. Bioversity gave me clarity and a roadmap. I’m now building a long-term career in biotech, pursuing certifications, and positioning myself for leadership roles. It’s not just a job — it’s the foundation for stability, growth, and providing for my daughter at a higher level.

What advice would you give someone considering Bioversity?

Take it seriously and show up disciplined. If you treat it like an opportunity to rebuild yourself professionally, it can absolutely change your trajectory. Be coachable. Ask questions. Lean into discomfort. Your past experience has value — you just need to learn how to translate it.

Bioversity wasn’t just a training program for me — it was a bridge. As a veteran transitioning industries, you sometimes feel like you’re starting from zero.
But programs like this remind you that you’re not behind — you’re just redirecting. For me, Bioversity marked the beginning of building the next version of myself — one focused on safety, growth, leadership, and long-term impact in biotech.