The pharmaceutical and other biomedical industries require an understanding of both business and science to bring lifesaving technologies to market. Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in Claremont, CA, offers the Careers Beyond the Bench program to provide skills and professional development opportunities for undergraduates interested in careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or other biomedical product industries. 

During this challenging and fun three-week online summer program, participants will learn about business skills and career opportunities in the biomedical sector, providing an edge for careers beyond the bench in these science-based industries.

2021 Program Dates:

  • June 21 – July 9, 2021 (online)

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Program Activities

  • Gain expertise in bioscience business
    • KGI faculty and invited industry guests will teach participants about the organization of the bioscience industries and strategies used by companies in the industry to translate scientific discoveries into commercial projects. Students will learn about drug pricing, intellectual property, market assessment, and other business aspects of the bioscience industries.
  • Learn about careers in the bioscience industries
    • Talks and workshops will be held with scientists and managers from the bioscience industries. Participants will learn about the activities of bioscience companies in different fields, ranging from drug discovery, medical diagnostics, and medical devices. Participants will also learn about a wide range of career opportunities within the bioscience industries and have an opportunity to interact with alumni from KGI that are currently working in industry.
  • Participate on a team-based bioscience business research project
    • Teams of students will work with KGI faculty to evaluate and propose a solution to a real-life biomedical need. These projects will allow participants to take a deeper dive into the strategies used by bioscience industry companies. At the end of the program participants will have an opportunity to present their findings to a panel of KGI faculty.

Download the Program Info Sheet

Application Procedures and Requirements

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    Application Deadline

    • June 1

    Application Requirements 

    An online application form is required that contains questions about your personal and educational background. Additional requirements (below) can be submitted along with your online application or separately:

    • Personal Statement
      • Please provide a brief statement of why you are interested in Careers Beyond the Bench and what you would like to do once you complete your undergraduate degree.
    • Resume
    • Letter of Recommendation
      • Contact information for one recommender is required during the online application process. This person should be able to evaluate your qualification and potential for success in our program. You can choose to use a professional or academic reference. Only one recommendation is required but additional recommendations may be submitted if desired.
      • Recommenders will be contacted via email to submit their recommendation online. If they prefer otherwise they can email or mail a copy to the Admissions Office along with this recommendation form. 
    • Transcripts
      • Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for evaluation purposes. Official transcripts are not required for admission but may be substituted for unofficial transcripts for admission review.

    Application Review

    The Admissions Committee is made up of faculty and senior administrators who will thoroughly and conscientiously review each application.

    Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

    Note for prospective international students: KGI has filed a petition update to Form I-17 “Petition For Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student” for this program with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Upon approval, KGI will be able to issue I-20s to students wishing to apply for an F-1 student visa.

  • The program is designed for students who are rising undergraduate seniors and graduates. Exceptional students who are rising juniors will also be considered.

  • There is a $20 application fee. Participants are responsible for having a personal computer with broadband Internet access.

Interested in Grad School? Learn About KGI’s Master of Business and Science Program