Career Forge
Career Forge is a micro-credentialing program that identifies competencies, provides targeted training, and evaluates performance for college students pursuing degrees and careers in the sciences.
By partnering with higher education institutions, Career Forge students are trained and assessed on the technical and workplace competency skills needed to work in any company with active science work, from an early-stage biotech startup to a large multinational pharmaceutical organization.
Certification Tracks
Intern Ready Certification
40 hours of training and assessment to prepare students for general biotech internships.
Target Students: Undergraduate Juniors (Fall Semester)
Key Training Modules:
- Good Documentation Practices & Laboratory Mathematics
- Foundational Science & Basic Laboratory Methods
- Aseptic Technique & Sample Handling
- Nucleic Acid Purification
- Consumer & Patient Engagement
- Workplace Competencies: Resume, Interviewing, & Networking
Research Associate Ready Certification
Beginning in 2026!
140 hours of training and assessment to prepare students for full-time employment in Research & Development and Consumer & Patient Engagement.
Target Students: Undergraduate Juniors (Spring Semester), Seniors (Fall/Spring Semester)
Key Training Modules:
- Mammalian Cell Culture
- Principles of Microscopy
- HPLC: Principles of Chromatography
- Protein Purification & Analysis
- Data Analysis
- Effective Scientific Research Writing
NOTE: The Intern Ready Certificate is a prerequisite.
Process Development Associate Certification
Beginning in 2027!
170 hours of training and assessment to prepare students for full-time employment in Research & Development, Process Development, and Manufacturing.
Key Training Modules:
- Introduction to Bioprocessing & Instrumentation
- Regulatory Compliance & Inspection
- Cell & Gene Editing
NOTE: The Intern Ready Certificate and Research Associate Ready Certificate are prerequisites.
Certification Module Touchpoints
Alumni Technical Confidence
Get Involved with Career Forge
Are you an administrator or educator interested in bringing this training to your higher education students?
Are you a hiring manager looking for skilled talent for your life sciences organization?
Are you a lab professional looking to volunteer your time to assist with training modules, participate in mock interviews, or mentor participants?
If you'd like to get involved, please complete the interest form, and our team will be in touch!
Program Team
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