Featured Profile

Michael Dykman is the embodiment of a courageous and successful Best Buddies Jobs participant in San Francisco. While working at a grocery store for 10 years, Michael joined Best Buddies Jobs to work towards his professional development. A few years ago, Michael said “I always wondered what I could do to get to the next level.” He had ambitious goals to achieve a full-time job with a competitive salary, maintain long-term employment and develop professional skills that would allow him to achieve his goals.

Before Michael became involved with Best Buddies, his life was challenging. He worked full-time, but he wasn’t being pushed to his full potential. After several night shifts at the grocery store, Michael showed commitment by allowing Best Buddies Jobs to assist him with resume building, interview preparation and his overall future goals.

In November 2016, Michael interviewed for a Lab Service Technician position at Genentech in South San Francisco.

“The interview went great, and the managers seemed to be very interested in my past work experience. I knew Genentech was the perfect fit once the managers took me on a tour of the lab. I couldn’t believe this could be my job,” says Michael.

A few days later, Michael was offered a full-time position with the company. Michael earns $45,760 per year at Genentech, the second highest salary in the best Buddies Program, and he also receives medical and dental care, vision care, fitness center retirement plans, paid vacation, sick days and holidays. This position at Genentech has afforded Michael the opportunity to earn a great income, pay taxes, independently support himself and rely less on government assistance, engage in meaningful work that he loves and form new friendships with his coworkers.

Michael turned his challenges into success. Since Michael joined Genentech, he is closer to reaching his full potential, thanks to his supervisor, co-workers and Best Buddies job coach. Michael explained that the culture at Genentech is the best place for him, a place that’s welcoming, dynamic and making a difference each day.

“My co-workers depend on me, as much as I depend on them, and it really makes me feel appreciated,” says Michael. Furthermore, it was Michael’s goal to earn a competitive wage to reduce his debt. Michael is now debt-free! He says, “Now I get to spend my hard-earned money on things that make me happy.”

Michael has a plan to implement new ideas at Genentech. He is currently involved in improving the lab’s supply cleaning process by brainstorming solutions with co-workers and supervisors. In the months to come, Michael will be a key player to roll out a more efficient way to clean supplies. Michael said, “Once I am involved, I am all-in for the win.”

Michael feels more empowered than ever before. Since Michael achieved his goal of obtaining a great job, he will continue to focus on his goals at Genentech and establishing professional relationships, with his peers.

“Best Buddies helped me land a job that changed my life for the better.”