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Diversifying Training Options for Undergraduate and Graduate Students to Support Industry Careers
Author(s) -
Wallert Mark
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.110.3
Subject(s) - bachelor , diversity (politics) , soft skills , career path , medical education , career development , work (physics) , psychology , public relations , engineering , political science , engineering management , medicine , mechanical engineering , law
The demand for employees with skills in STEM has never been higher. Likewise, the diversity of career options available to these employees has never been greater. Traditionally, the primary career path for individuals interested in advanced STEM careers was to obtain a Ph.D. and pursue a career in academia. Today, 67% of biomedical Ph.D.s are employed in careers outside of academia. This diversity of careers extends to all levels of the STEM education spectrum. The Bioscience Industry sector in the United States is a major employer of individuals trained in biochemistry and biotechnology areas. This industry sector currently employs over 30% of Ph.D.s in the life and physical sciences. While a majority of the position in the Bioscience Industry requires a Bachelor's degree or higher, success in these careers requires technical knowledge and skill sets that are not commonly taught in undergraduate and graduate programs. No matter the educational level, it is no longer sufficient to focus on training students to have the knowledge and skills to be competent scientists. In preparing students for industry careers this goes beyond expanding the focus on non‐technical or soft skills. Preparing students for industry careers now requires courses and mentoring programs that demonstrate the range of career options and includes courses that comprise a range of supplemental technical skills related to functioning in a highly regulated industry. The additional skill sets industry is looking for includes work in quality systems, good laboratory and good manufacturing practices, animal care and use, and regulatory compliance. This presentation will focus on the need for expanded training options to meet the need for industry employees and provide examples of successful programs and program changes that meet these needs.