A recent study conducted by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has highlighted the necessity for National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) to take proactive measures to promote entrepreneurship among its students and provide specialized placement officers to guide them in making informed career decisions.
The study, carried out by the DoP in collaboration with Biovantis Healthcare Pvt Ltd (BHPL), aimed to assess the preparedness of NIPERs to meet the changing demands of the pharmaceutical industry and elevate the institution to a global ranking within the top 50. One of the report’s key findings was the limited interest among students in pursuing entrepreneurship as a career choice, despite the presence of well-established incubators at NIPER Guwahati and NIPER Ahmedabad.
In response to this finding, the study recommended that NIPERs create an environment conducive to innovation, critical thinking, and an entrepreneurial mindset. This could be achieved through the inclusion of pharma/bio-entrepreneurship courses in the Master’s degree curriculum, inviting successful pharma entrepreneurs to share their experiences through lectures, and organizing entrepreneurship competitions to inspire and motivate students.
Furthermore, the study proposed the introduction of flexible curriculum options that would allow students to pursue entrepreneurial projects alongside traditional research endeavours during their Master’s degree. These progressive steps were identified as potential catalysts for sparking entrepreneurial interest and encouraging practical entrepreneurial involvement among students.
In addition to nurturing entrepreneurship, the study also emphasized the importance of providing career support services to students and recommended the appointment of dedicated placement officers at each NIPER. It was noted that the existing student placement committees, typically comprised of faculty members and final year student volunteers, may lack the expertise in career counselling, industry trends, and job market dynamics, necessitating the presence of trained professionals to guide students in their career choices.
The study further emphasized the significance of having dedicated placement officers to streamline the placement process, ensure consistent engagement with potential employers, and provide students with valuable support in their career endeavors.
The findings of the study were derived from face-to-face interactions with over 50 students from various NIPERs, revealing insights into their career aspirations, language proficiency, and overall satisfaction with campus facilities. The study also addressed specific challenges faced by students, such as frequent power cuts and high levels of air pollution in the vicinity of NIPER Hajipur, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and environmental conditions.
Overall, the study conducted by the DoP and BHPL serves as a call to action for NIPERs to adopt measures that promote entrepreneurship and enhance career support services, ultimately empowering students to make informed career decisions and contribute meaningfully to the pharmaceutical industry and beyond.
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