Employers will bring on more interns this year than they did last year, according to results of a 2010 Internship Survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The survey shows a 2.9 percent increase in the number of students taking part in employer-sponsored internships. NACE states while this represents a modest increase, it is a significant turnaround from 2009 when the intern hiring rate dropped by more than 20 percent.
Smart business models include internship programs which are a highly effective tool to recruit workforce talent. It's also a proven way to nurture potential full time employees; NACE statistics consistently show that 20-25 percent of new hires are sourced from employers' own internship programs.
California biotech businesses that have partnered with the CCCEWD Biotechnology Initiative have benefited from "test-driving" interns. Genencor is one of their corporate partners that recognize the need to provide "real-world" experience to biotech students and build the workforce pipeline. Genencor is a leading industrial biotechnology company that develops and markets innovative enzymes and bio-based products. They provided seven internship opportunities this last school year and have signed up for another round this fall; each student completed 162 hours of internship.
Another partner, Mendel Biotechnology hired one of the interns to support their mission of developing genetic and chemical solutions that enhance the row crops industry. Diagnostic Biosystems, a company that develops antibody reagents for research and clinical pathology in the field of cancer biology worked with three research interns to support their work.
"These are just a few examples of the many biotech companies that see the high value in bringing internships into their business model," said CCCEWD Biotech Initiative State Director Jeff O'Neal. "Employers often use intern programs to build their junior ranks; interns are eager and bring fresh ideas and technical skills to the workplace."
For more information about CCCEWD's California Applied Biotechnology Centers, go to www.cccbiotech.org or contact Jeff O'Neal at (916) 484-8052.
Read the latest EWD Newsletter: Grow California to learn more about EWD's innovative industry programs.
Comments