In order to be competitive in today's job market, college graduates need to offer employers more than just good grades. Employers want to see good grades mixed with on-the-job experience, which undoubtedly enhances the graduate's teamwork, communication, problem-solving and analytical skills. By combining good grades with on-the-job experience, the graduate becomes more attractive to a prospective company and, if hired, a more valuable employee.

Pierce Chemical and the University of Illinois College of Medicine can offer a student interested in life sciences with valuable hands-on experience. Last summer, Pierce and the College of Medicine provided a group of high school and college students, and three high school teachers, the opportunity to take an active role in research and development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and marketing teams.

For the students, it was a chance to put what they've learned in the classroom to practical use and an opportunity to work with experienced scientists in their field of interest. For the teachers, it was a chance to renew their enthusiasm for the field and provide some experience they could take back to the classroom to share with students.

Interns at Pierce were responsible for several tasks, including general laboratory work, calibration of instruments, data generation and analysis, documentation and teamwork, with the direction of scientific personnel.

Anyone interested in learning more about the high school, college or teacher internships should call Kim Hines, Senior Research Scientist and Science Intern Coordinator, at 968-0747 ext. 315.