Bioprocessing Student Spotlight - Corey Kuruma

This time last year, MBS 2011 students were constantly re-revising our resumes, scouring alumni databases and networking like crazy in hopes of securing a summer internship. We hardly had time to give a sigh of relief before it was time to resume the same activities in the job hunt. Second year bioprocessing student, Corey Kuruma, however, can breathe easy having secured a position in the two-year Operations Rotational Development Program with Genentech.   

Coming straight from the University of California Merced, Corey realized that he would need to build onto his bioengineering degree in order to get into the biotech industry. Recognizing that his technical skills could only carry him so far, he was convinced that a KGI education could impart the soft skills required to succeed in business.

After his first year, Corey spent his summer internship in South San Francisco at Genentech as a Manufacturing Science and Technology Intern. While his duties included gathering instrument/equipment facility data and sorting it using an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System, his experience at KGI helped him get the most out of his time at Genentech.

“KGI helped me learn how to put myself out there and be proactive.”

His impressive work ethic and enthusiasm attracted the attention of management, and he was rewarded with an invitation into the highly selective ORDP program. Until then, Corey keeps busy by completing his required coursework, being involved in student clubs including anime club and beer club, and putting in a considerable amount of time contributing to his Team Master’s Project for Allergan.

Working on your own biotech career success story? Here are some words of wisdom from someone who has successfully gone through the job search and has had some time to reflect.

• Learn to work with other people with different strengths and weaknesses.
• Manage your time smartly and don’t procrastinate!
• Take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves and be proactive.
• Try to see the bigger picture.
• Don’t give up.
• It’s not about the grades; it’s about making connections and growing as a person.

By Christina Lai (MBS '11)