Regina Whitaker represents a voice of hope for the state's displaced workers.
Whitaker, 26, works as a laboratory technician for Targacept Inc., a biotechnology company at Piedmont Triad Research Park in downtown Winston-Salem.
It's been nearly four years since Whitaker made the leap from Unifi Inc., a shrinking textile manufacturer, to a new-economy employer by earning a biotechnology associate degree at Forsyth Technical Community College.
Whitaker's status as one of Forsyth Tech's first biotech graduates in July 2004 led the N.C. BioNetwork Center to feature her in statewide radio ads touting the industry's emergence as an employer.
"Going back to school wasn't hard to do when you consider the alternatives," Whitaker said.
She said that at one time seven family members worked at Unifi's operations in Yadkinville, with one aunt's job being cut in a layoff.
Whitaker said she left because of concerns about becoming a layoff victim. Whitaker's husband, David, recently left Unifi to work at Dell Inc.'s computer-assembly plant in Forsyth County, taking a pay cut for an opportunity at more job security.
Whitaker said that she began taking classes toward becoming a medical assistant, but felt that she wasn't being challenged. "Then I spotted the biotech curriculum, thought that was pretty cool, and everything just clicked for me in the classroom and the lab," she said.
Pursuing an associate degree wasn't easy in terms of coursework and lifestyle adjustments, Whitaker said. As a full-time student, she worked from 20 to 30 hours a week as a waitress and an additional 10 hours a week in a work-study program. The couple put off having their first child until she felt secure in a biotech job.
Whitaker said that her break came when Targacept selected her as one of two interns, which led to her working as a consultant for four months before being hired full time in November 2004. Whitaker said that other classmates have not been as fortunate with their job hunting in the local biotech industry.
"You don't have to have a Ph.D., but biotech companies also can't hire someone just off the street because it is a highly regulated industry," said Suzanne Seymour, the director of the N.C. BioNetwork Center, which connects the training programs of the state's community colleges.
"About 67 percent of biotech employees have more than a high-school diploma, but less than a four-year degree," Seymour said.
Whitaker said she is making about $10,000 more a year than she did at Unifi. The couple's son, Cole, was born in December. She plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in biotechnology at Winston-Salem State University as part of her goal of advancing within Targacept.
"I believe that over time, my story will become more commonplace," Whitaker said. "That's why I've been willing to share my story, because if I can earn a living in biotech, others can, too."
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