Tracking Study of Biotech Graduates

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Tracking Study of Biotech Graduates
Bio - Link Summer Fellows Program
June 2009
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Tracking Study of Biotech Graduates

• Objectives

• Create a model that allows for follow up with
  Biotechnology graduates on a voluntary basis.

2) Test and validate the model with one or two
community colleges that have large biotech
programs.
3) Write up the grant findings and turn over
the finished model and "test" results to
BioNetwork for statewide consideration and
implementation.
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Tracking Study of Biotech Graduates

• Background
• The North Carolina Community College Systems
  BioNetwork trains Biotechnology workers for the
  state. Forsyth Tech has the largest biotechnology
  program in the state with over 100 graduates.
  Alamance CC is the most established program at 24
  years old and has over 275 graduates.
• Community College students are difficult to track
  once they have graduated.
• Economic developers are continuously looking at
  the availability of a highly skilled and trained
  biotechnology workforce to promote North Carolina
  to biotechnology companies seeking to relocate.

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Tracking Study of Biotech Graduates

• Process
• Graduates were contacted and a database created
• Interactive forums and interviews were conducted
• Focus team meetings
• November 12, 2008 event gathered ideas about
  possible incentives for voluntary participation
  in tracking mechanism
• Survey of graduates and two local events
  conducted
• Alamance Community Colleges new biotech facility
• Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine
• Advisory committee reviewed data and results
• Pilot model was formulated and tested

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Tracking Studys Initial Survey

• Results
  
  Graduates / Students

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Tracking Study Advisory Meeting

• Recommendations
• Gather contact information prior to graduation
• Provide a package with resources available for
  the graduates success
• Provide networking events for students, industry,
  and educators
• Get alumni involved in mentoring the graduating
  students
• YourMembership.com is an internet utility for
  keeping alums engaged and connected
• Communication is the key

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The Model
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Tracking Study-Pilot Model

• Test Results
• 100 were very interested in continuing education
  to upgrade their skills and networking for career
  success.
• 70 were very interested and 30 somewhat
  interested in being active in the biotechnology
  alumni group and in mentoring others who are
  still in school.
• Only 20 were very aware and 70 somewhat aware
  of ways to apply their degrees in the workforce
• 60 dont believe they need help with resume
  writing and interviewing skills
• 90 are willing to have their contact information
  shared with prospective employers.

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Tracking Study of Biotech Graduates

• Conclusions
• Tracking must be initiated prior to graduation.
  Once the students are gone, contact may be
  impossible
• The Graduates of the Biotech Programs are
  motivated by career success
• Tracking the workforce is a benefit to the
  students, the colleges, and industry
• The Biotech Industry, the Community College and
  the Alumni should be recognized as partners and
  stakeholders in the process

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Contacts

• 
  
  
• William H. Woodruff
• Dept. Head, Biotechnology Department
• Alamance Community College
• SE Regional Director, BioLink
• woodruff_at_alamancecc.edu
• 336-506-4224

Russ H. Read Executive Director National Center
for the Biotechnology Workforce rread_at_forsythtech.
edu 336-734-7651 www.biotechworkforce.org
www.ncbionetwork.org