Student Industry Networking Event connects trainees with AZ Industry bioscience leaders for fourteenth year
The annual Student Industry Networking Event is co-hosted by the BIO5 Institute and the Bioindustry Organization of Southern Arizona (BIOSA).
On February 15, UArizona students virtually connected with representatives from the Arizona bioscience, biomedical and biotechnology industries at the Student Industry Networking Event (SINE).
Now in its fourteenth year, the annual event attracts undergraduate and graduate students in the life sciences, medicine, chemistry, engineering, and computer and information sciences and connects them with numerous bioscience organizations across Arizona. Sponsored by the BIO5 Institute and the Bioindustry Organization of Southern Arizona (BIOSA), SINE provides a learning opportunity to prepare trainees for future jobs in industry, business, service organizations, and administration.
This year’s SINE facilitated connections between 200 students and 26 partner companies and organizations. Students were able to meet with potential mentors and secure summer internships, and as in previous years, many attendees will be able to secure permanent employment after graduation because of the relationships fostered through networking.
The virtual event was broken into three sessions: career coaching, insight on hiring trends, and networking.
In the first session, students listened to presentations from several employees in the UArizona Student Engagement & Career Development (SECD) Center. With the help of interactive examples, students learned how to tailor their resumes to specific job descriptions and ultimately “beat” computer programs that are designed to quickly sift through hundreds of job applications. They also learned about several SECD programs that help students build essential skills like collaboration, leadership, and professional communication that will benefit them both now as a student and beyond.
Next, representatives from four companies gave insider’s perspectives on current hiring trends in the life sciences and biomedical industry. Students also learned how other scientists leveraged their education from UArizona to pursue their current positions in industry.
Lastly, students engaged in a networking session with representatives from the Arizona bioindustry. Company leaders shared valuable information on the skillsets they are looking for when hiring interns and employees. Students also learned more about day-to-day aspects of the roles at these companies and gained tips on how to prepare for a fulfilling career in the industry.
Marta Kozlowska, master’s student in the UArizona School of Plant Sciences
Marta Kozlowska, a master’s student in the School of Plant Sciences, benefitted from the openness of the panelists and industry representatives.
“I was really pleased with the amount of advice I was able to receive, and the industry networking session was especially beneficial, as every industry representative was able to provide specialized, individual feedback to attendees. I think the opportunity that SINE provides for fostering really crucial connections in the industry is exceptional and will become extremely beneficial to anyone who is interested in furthering their professional career in that area,” she said.
Marialuisa Laughlin, an undergraduate majoring in family studies and human development, also found her experience at SINE to be invaluable.
“I was very grateful to be surrounded by so many inspiring members who are active in the world's science industry,” she said. “I am looking forward to attending next year's event. Thank you to SINE, BIO5, and BIOSA for the opportunity to grow and develop with others.”