Every career path tells a story of growth and purpose. For Shannon, Senior Investigator in Biogen’s Pharmaceutical, Operations & Technology (PO&T) organization, her nearly nine years at Biogen has been nothing short of this. After taking a brief break from Biogen to explore other professional opportunities, Shannon returned to the company three years ago as a proud "boomerang" employee. “Biogen has always been a great place to work, and I’m very aligned with the company’s mission and values,” Shannon shares.
Why Biogen
Shannon credits Biogen’s collaborative culture, community impact and commitment to work-life balance as some of the major reasons for her return and continued success at Biogen. Based in Durham, NC, with two kids and a Yorkshire Terrier at home, she values time and flexibility with her family, while also driving her career development. “What motivates me every day is my passion for investigations and project-based work, and Biogen provides the resources, activities, and events to support that,” she says. “Biogen respects all employees, encourages teamwork, and truly appreciates its people.”
With a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a master’s in biomanufacturing, Shannon brings a passion for science and collaboration to her work. In her current role, Shannon investigates deviations in manufacturing processes to identify root causes and implement corrective or preventive actions. “My role is all about problem-solving and teamwork,” she explains. “I also serve as a project manager on several initiatives, helping to keep teams organized and stakeholders informed.”
Career Development
Over the years, Shannon has embraced Biogen’s robust career development resources, including leadership programs like Women on the Rise, an initiative designed to support and empower female employees, which have equipped her with diverse skills and experiences. “Biogen is a fast-moving, inclusive company that genuinely supports employee growth,” she says.
One of Shannon’s most impactful experiences at Biogen has been participating in the Reverse Mentoring Program, where junior employees have the opportunity to mentor senior leaders to exchange knowledge, expertise and perspectives. “It’s such a unique opportunity to build a professional relationship with my mentee while gaining skills like communication and leadership,” Shannon shares. The design of the program helps create a space for dialogue and encourages thought-provoking conversations between the mentee and the mentor. “Every meeting leaves us with something to think about, and it’s been incredible for skill development and networking.”
For those considering a career at Biogen, Shannon offers heartfelt advice:
“Be ready to learn and grow. There are so many opportunities here to advance your career and skills.”
“You’ll make lifelong friendships that started as colleagues, and work in a place that cares about the community. Biogen is advancing science and the world around it. For me, it feels like home,” Shannon explains.
Shannon’s career path exemplifies Biogen’s dedication to fostering growth and connection at every level. Through her role as an investigator, her participation in leadership programs, and her contributions to the Reverse Mentoring Program, Shannon continues to thrive in an environment that supports her professional and personal aspirations. “Biogen is a great place to work, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
