Business of Bioscience Student Spotlight - Adam Calvert

Adam Calvert talks to us about his decision to come to KGI, life as a first year student and internship searches.  Adam earned a bachelor's degree in Biology and minor in Business from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.  His interest in business and bioscience careers was first sparked during his work in the BYU Office of Information Technology and his research in an organic chemistry laboratory performing novel total synthesis of natural products.

"I decided to come to KGI because I believe that advancements in science have the greatest impact on society when they are commercialized through business," Adam explains, "KGI's applied life sciences curriculum offers unique preparation to enter the life science industry as it builds a foundation of technical and business skill necessary to succeed."

Adam plans to follow the Business of Bioscience focus track which he believes will prepare him for a career in biotech and medical device strategic marketing.  While at KGI, Adam founded and led the Entrepreneur Club, which involves KGI students in networking events with entrepreneurs and leaders of the life science industry.  He's also a member of the Ethics Committee, helping craft the Disciplinary Procedures document to help facilitate the expansion of KGI and ensure fair and efficient disciplinary action for students.

This year, Adam participated on the Beckman Coulter sponsored Team Masters Project (TMP).  Adam came onto the project during a crucial juncture and added tremendous value to the team and to Beckman Coulter.  He performed a detailed market analysis of the United Kingdom in-vitro diagnostics market and helped the team segment 6 international target markets for commercialization strategy.

For the summer Adam plans on doing his internship at a well-established pharmaceutical or medical-device company.  He wants to help companies overcome the many commercial challenges in the life science industry and gain the skills necessary to begin his bioscience career as a market analyst and eventually a product manager.  Adam gives prospective and current students advice regarding biotech internships:

"My advice on internship searches is to start early.  Develop a clear picture of what you want and then talk to as many people about it to determine if it’s really what you want.  In the process you’ll likely find an opportunity that you’ll be excited about."

Adam is one of the many successful 2011 students preparing for their summer internship.  The entire KGI community wishes Adam and his colleagues great success as they start their careers this summer.

By Mike Hoang (MBS '10)