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Sebastian Galvez knows firsthand that participating in a cooperative education experience or internship in college gives students a great advantage when applying for a full-time job. The Raritan Valley Community College student completed the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) cooperative education program and was hired by J&J full-time in August 2018 as a Capacity Management Business Analyst. The Manville resident, who now runs J&J’s North American Supply Chain internship program and takes classes at RVCC at night, works in Research and Development under Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceutical Division.

“Johnson & Johnson’s intern and co-op programs have provided me with real-life work opportunities and experiences that helped me find my true passion. The programs operate in a safe environment where you are able to take risks, venture out of your comfort zone, and even fail. I have learned so much about my own strengths and weaknesses during the past two years with J&J. Everyone has been willing to help me, and I’ve found amazing leaders and mentors who continue to open doors I never dreamed possible,” said Galvez.

Hoping to share some of the knowledge and experience he’s learned while working at J&J, Galvez, in conjunction with the College’s Business and Public Service Department, organized a panel of industry experts from Johnson & Johnson to speak with students at RVCC on September 20. The experts, from the area of supply chain management and talent acquisition, discussed trends and current challenges in their respective industries. The panelist offered valuable insights that will allow RVCC students to be more prepared and competitive in the pursuit of their future careers.

More than 150 RVCC students, including members of RVCC’s honors societies, Enactus team and students from Professor Tracy Rimple’s Supply Chain classes, attended the event that offered current business updates as well as career advice including interviewing tips. The panel discussion format enabled participants to share their experiences and expertise with the audience. The J&J panel included:

• Tim Park (Senior Analyst, Supply Chain Data Management, Data Services)
• Andre Pereldik (Janssen Supply Chain-Global Procurement Co-Op)
• Sebastian Galvez (Business Analyst, R&D PMO, Capacity Management)
• Christine Mayersohn (Manager, Transportation Operations, Regional Transportation Organization)
• Chris Williams (Senior Director, Consumer Distribution, CLS NA Distribution)

“These types of partnerships between industry and academia support the educational goals of current and future employees and provide individuals with the skills to succeed in the workplace,” said Galvez. “I am grateful to Johnson & Johnson for their continued contributions to the professional development of our students,” he continued. Through the J&J partnership, students are provided with opportunities to participate in work experience programs for academic credit. They also may take advantage of Excel training workshops on campus that are led by J&J employees and faculty members from RVCC’s Business and Public Service Department.

Ranked by BestColleges.com, WalletHub.com, and Niche.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to a Planetarium, Science Education Institute and 3M Observatory; a 1,000-seat Theatre offering professional performances for all ages; and an Honors College for high achieving students.

The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, small business assistance through the Small Business Development Center, professional development, and adult and youth personal enrichment courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 8, 2018

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #59