Training for Success at Campus Vienna Biocenter – University of Applied Sciences Celebrates Graduation AND Careers

Vienna, 09. Nov.: Today sees the first fh-campus wien biotechnology students celebrate their graduation – and 85 percent of them are looking forward to starting the careers they have already secured. This record-breaking statistic in the higher education sector in Austria reflects the continuing demand for skilled workers on the biotechnology market, and the prestige already accorded to the course curriculum.

The biotechnology graduates of fh-campus wien University of Applied Sciences (UAS), Austria, who are celebrating their graduation today in Vienna’s Marx Palast venue can do so with the reassuring thought that they have a career ahead of them. In fact, 35 percent of the 38 graduates have already secured work in life science companies. A further 50 percent have taken the opportunity to study for a doctorate. Two of them (five percent) have also been given the chance to complete their doctorates while in full employment.

Deputy Course Director Dr. Bea Kuen-Krismer sees the fact that an impressive 45 percent of the graduates have opted to complete a doctorate at a university as clear proof that scientific training on the UAS course has its finger on the pulse. "The curriculum for our biotechnology course is tailored to the requirements of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. And this is of course highly valued by universities, which are increasingly promoting successful cooperation with the research industry. Consequently, our students are also welcomed with open arms by universities", explains Dr. Kuen-Krismer.

Dr. Wolfgang Sommergruber, Research Group Leader at Boehringer Ingelheim, also stresses the quality of the practical training received by students: "The research industry needs workers that can maintain a focus on the process in hand in both theory and practice. And this quality is a key skill taught on the UAS course in biotechnology. Added to this is a firm practical grounding in laboratory work that runs through both academic studies and the compulsory work placements integrated into the course."

In fact, several graduates were offered jobs by large pharmaceutical companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim and Baxter Bioscience, and smaller companies such as the biotechnology start-up company ViroSure established at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna.

The fact that 15 percent of the graduates are pursuing careers outside Austria demonstrates that the quality of UAS training is also valued highly abroad. It is interesting to note that five of these six graduates are female, a statistic that reflects the high overall proportion (75 percent) of female graduates from the course.

The imminent conversion of fh-campus wien’s UAS biotechnology course to the Bachelor and Master system soon to be introduced across Europe is set to further enhance the international mobility of its graduates. Whereas recognition of an Austrian degree still needs to be secured for a doctorate in another country, this will be automatically granted via the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

However, the 38 graduates from the initial intake are already benefiting from the high profile their qualification enjoys among companies and universities both at home and abroad – and they were joined by a long list of guests today as they celebrated their success.

Contact:
Prof. Bea Kuen-Krismer
Deputy Head - Dept. of Biotechnology
University of Applied Sciences in Vienna "fh-campus wien"
T +43 / 1 / 606 68 77 - 2312
M +43 / 699 / 88 44 95 56
E bea.kuen@fh-campuswien.ac.at

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