The Biocon-KGI
program is a one-of-a-kind training program and a very valuable opportunity for
students in India. The program includes virtual online classroom sessions and
afternoon practical sessions that complement the coursework arranged at
companies such as Biocon and other institutes. It’s a significant step towards
‘experiential learning’, a model we follow at Keck Graduate Institute. The
students immediately apply what they learn in the classroom to their afternoon
practical sessions and to classroom projects.
When I interview
the students to admit them into the Biocon-KGI program, they typically are not
aware of the workings of the industry. Also they want to know if what they have
learned in college will be useful in the industry and how they can apply their
knowledge. In just 4 months, the students learn the workings of the entire
process from R & D to getting a drug to market. This program trains them in
areas of Regulatory Affairs, Quality and Production most of which are new to students
but very essential to be ‘industry-ready’.
I think the
Biocon Academy students will prove to be a different breed of leaders in the
Indian Life Sciences industry. It has been a great experience teaching in the
program. The classes include team projects and presentations in addition to
exams, quizzes and reports and the students really enjoy working in teams on
the projects and then presenting them in class. In addition to the technical
content, they learn to manage the dynamics of working on a team and many other
soft skills which will prove essential for their career.
- Written by Meghana Joshi, Program Director, KGI
