Strong partnerships between educators and industry fuel the next generation of biotechnology professionals. Discover how to boost your students’ career success by building your network, engaging with local employers, and creating new opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world careers.
Building Your Bioscience Network
Behind every strong bioscience program is a strong network. Whether you’re teaching cell culture techniques in a high school lab or running a college program aligned with local employers, your ability to connect with industry can transform your classroom into a launchpad for the workforce.
Why Your Network Matters
Networking isn’t just collecting business cards—it’s building relationships that create opportunities for your students. Life science companies nationwide are actively seeking skilled and motivated entry-level professionals, and educators are uniquely positioned to introduce them. The right partnership can lead to internships, job-shadowing opportunities, guest lectures, equipment donations, and even curriculum input that keeps your teaching aligned with real-world needs.
Start Where You Are
You don’t need to be in a biotech hub to build meaningful connections. Reach out to local life science employers, hospital labs, agricultural biotech firms, or even regional workforce boards. Many organizations have community engagement or education liaisons who are eager to collaborate. A simple email introducing your program and your students’ goals could open surprising doors.
Leverage Existing Networks
Join organizations such as InnovATEBIO, your state’s life science industry organization (like BioFlorida), or your state’s workforce development board. Attend local biotech summits, industry panels, and virtual events. These spaces aren’t just for job seekers; they’re also where educators can learn what skills employers are prioritizing and then bring that insight directly back to their classrooms.
Keep it Reciprocal
A great network is a two-way street. Invite employers to visit your lab, to guest lecture, or to mentor students. Offer to serve on advisory boards or share program outcomes that show how students are developing workforce-ready skills. The more you share, the more invested partners become in your program’s success.
The Ripple Effect
Student career success starts when educators and employers work together. Your students gain clearer career direction, build stronger resumes, and display greater confidence to enter the biotechnology workforce. The relationships you help build a reliable talent pipeline for employers that begins right in your classroom.
Share Your Story
At Biotility, we love celebrating educators who bring biotechnology to life in their classrooms. If you’ve built a successful partnership, hosted an industry speaker, or helped a student launch their biotech career, we want to hear from you!
Share your story (and photos) with us for a chance to have your program featured on our website or social media and inspire others across the growing biotech education community.