Xander, a native of Wayland, Massachusetts, embarked on a transformative career path that began with a deep-seated interest in technology and a desire to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. Holding a B.S. in computer science from Purdue University, Xander's journey into the corporate world commenced with an internship at Biogen. "I applied to Biogen because my mom used to work at the company, and I thought it might be a full-circle moment," he shared. This initial step not only honored his family's legacy but also aligned with his passion for healthcare innovation.
During his internship, Xander contributed to a machine learning project aimed at predicting project cost savings. His performance during this period was exemplary, leading to a full-time offer to join Biogen's IT rotational associate program. This two-year program is designed to provide recent graduates with comprehensive exposure to various IT functions through three distinct eight-month rotations, each focused on different aspects of the business.
In his first rotation, Xander served as a business analyst and data migration engineer in the regulatory R&D IT department. He played a crucial role in a data migration project, overseeing the transfer of thousands of documents into Biogen’s systems, ensuring that the documentation adhered to Biogen's standards. "It was a challenging yet rewarding experience, as it required meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of both systems," Xander reflected.
The second rotation saw Xander working as an artificial intelligence (AI) engineer. Here, he was tasked with developing applications that leveraged AI to address stakeholder needs. One notable project involved creating an AI-driven tool to rewrite and revise Jira tickets. This new tool helped streamline service request tickets that employees submit to IT, and ensured they aligned with agile methodologies for user story creation. "It was exciting to apply AI in a practical setting, solving real-world problems and enhancing team efficiency," he remarked.
Currently, in his third rotation, Xander is working as a project analyst. He is involved in a network segmentation project aimed at bolstering Biogen's cybersecurity measures. "Knowing that the work I do helps protect critical data and supports the company's mission is incredibly fulfilling," Xander expressed.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Xander maintains a balanced lifestyle. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, working on coding side projects, playing video games and basketball. Recently, he has taken up bouldering, a form of rock climbing without ropes, which has become a new passion. "It's a great way to challenge myself physically and mentally," he noted.
Reflecting on his experiences thus far, Xander explained that not only does he enjoy his day-to-day work, but he also appreciates the supportive and inclusive culture at Biogen. "Everyone I've met has been welcoming and eager to share their knowledge," he said. "The mentorship and collaborative environment have been instrumental in my growth." He encourages others who are considering a similar path to explore the opportunities within Biogen's IT rotational associate program. "There are numerous IT functions that support different parts of the business, offering a wealth of experiences that can shape your career and contribute to helping patients worldwide," Xander concluded.
