Industry-Internship Program for Biotechnology Under-Graduates-Enabling the Student-Workforce for Better Employability

Abstract

Industry-Internships are emerging as a trend in academic programs given the thrust for skill enhancements of students, making them industry-ready and placements. The present study gives an account of full-time industry-internship program at Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University, Hubballi. The key objectives of the program were to expose the students to industry work scenario, provide an opportunity to work on live projects and enhance the placements through the conversion of internships to placements. The program was for a duration of six months as part of their VIII semester with 20 credits, which included industry training and project modules. A structured rubrics-based assessment in terms of in-semester and end semester was performed. The students worked as interns in several Biotechnology-led enterprises. Industry, students and internship co-coordinator of the institute were the key stake-holders in the process. The students opined that the program helped them making an informed choice of their career and made them industry-ready. The number of internships program recorded a steady increase year-on-year which reflects the relevance of from students' perspective. The program was instrumental in addressing eight program outcomes The industries in-turn were satisfied with the performance, team coherence and attitude of the interns. The program churned out to be a win-win model for both the students and the participating industries.