CBS - MSc in BA & Bioentrepreneurship

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐒𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐞 This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sof Thrane, one of the faculty teachers in the CBS-BIO program. As a researcher, educator, and program builder, Sof plays a pivotal role in equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the intersection of life sciences and business. Sof's journey with CBS began during his PhD, which he completed at the institution. Over his tenure, he has made significant contributions, including establishing a PhD school in business and management and launching the Executive Master’s Program in Business Development. Here's what he shared with us: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 According to Sof, one of the biggest hurdles for students with a bioscience background is grasping the language and principles of economics. This can feel daunting at first, but he reassures students that hard work and preparation are key to success. His advice? Start the course well-prepared by securing textbooks and articles from the outset. Early familiarity with the foundational concepts is crucial, as the course builds progressively from basics to more complex applications. “Don’t be scared,” Sof advises students who might feel intimidated by the course. While the workload is challenging, the grade average is comparable to other courses. The key is preparation and anticipation   𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 Sof emphasizes the critical role of finance and control in understanding the "language of business." While BIO students may not pursue traditional accounting or finance roles, the knowledge gained enables them to: - Communicate effectively with colleagues across business functions.   - Grasp core economic issues that influence their organizations.   - Excel in commercial, development, and leadership roles in the pharma/bio sector.   𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 Sof believes the course is vital to the CBS-BIO program's mission of creating “hybrid” professionals, graduates who bridge the gap between bioscience and business. This unique combination of expertise allows BBIP alumni to tackle industry challenges with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary perspective.   𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 The pharma and biotech industries benefit from specialists in both science and business, but Sof highlights the unique edge that BBIP graduates bring. With their ability to navigate both fields, they stand out as versatile professionals who understand the technical and business dimensions of the life sciences sector. We’re grateful to Sof for sharing his insights and for his dedication to continuing to shape the next generation of leaders at the intersection of science and business!

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐮𝐩 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 🚀 Today we feature one of our master's students, Javier Ruiz Gonzalez, who shares his experience as a student assistant at a cutting-edge biotech startup called Blue Cell Therapeutics, where no two days are the same. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐣𝐨𝐛? ''Overall, I am mainly responsible for assisting with most of the out-of-the-lab tasks, ranging from building website content to more business development-related tasks such as conducting competitive landscape analyses. However, no two days are ever the same in a start-up, and Blue Cell is no exception.'' As he shares ‘’I still remember that during my second month, we all had to move the office from the third to the first floor. I was chatting with my CEO about how one day you’re pitching in front of a crowd, and the next you’re moving furniture in the elevator.’’ Everyone puts their hands on where needed, and from his perspective, that’s also the magic of startups. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛? ‘’For me, the best part is feeling like an essential piece of the puzzle. In a company with only 10 employees, you represent 10% of the team. Having real responsibilities and impact from day one comes with great responsibility but also great satisfaction.’’ He admits that working at a company that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and develops disruptive therapies makes everything both unknown and exciting for a curious person. Add to that some amazing colleagues and good food, and it’s a joy to work! 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫? He recognizes that his time at the company has been anything but easy. Like any startup, it’s a rollercoaster ride with ups and downs, providing him with invaluable experience and allowing him to apply and propose his ideas. ‘’I am gaining a level of responsibility and independence that I didn’t have before, learning to make decisions without constantly needing to consult others. Everyone is very busy, and I have been treated as an equal member of the team from day one, just as capable as anyone else.’’ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭? His best piece of advice is to picture yourself in the role, be curious and show genuine interest. Ask questions that show you have made your research. To stand out from the crowd, ‘’Avoid relying too much on ChatGPT for your cover letters—it’s the easy way out, and it’s clear when it’s been used. Instead, take your time to reflect on why you’re the right person for the role. Quality over quantity is key.’’ Finally, he recommends staying motivated in your search. With patience and effort, you’ll succeed!  

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐍𝐓𝐔 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐁𝐒: 𝐀 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🌏 This semester, our CBS - MSc in BA & Bioentrepreneurship program welcomed exchange students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, bringing fresh perspectives and global diversity to our community. We caught up with Min Qi Hoo, Caryn L. and Tang Chang to learn more about their experiences in Copenhagen and the CBS-BIO program: What inspired you to choose CBS for your exchange semester? "Coming to Copenhagen Business School (CBS) was an opportunity to broaden our horizons beyond Singapore and Southeast Asia, immersing ourselves in Europe’s dynamic life sciences ecosystem. CBS offers a unique blend of academic and practical learning, focusing on how to transform research into business through finance, marketing, IP rights, and business model design. We’ve also loved collaborating with life science and business students, building cross-disciplinary skills and networks that prepare us for global challenges in biomedical and healthcare innovation." What has been your most valuable learning experience in the CBS-BIO program? "The CBS-BIO program excels at bridging the gap between science and business. For us, the focus on innovation management, entrepreneurial strategy, and sustainable business models has been transformative, providing tools to translate scientific concepts into commercial opportunities. Working in interdisciplinary teams and learning from real-world case studies has strengthened our ability to address complex challenges in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors." What has working with students from different cultures taught you? "Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds has been eye-opening. Each person’s unique perspective has challenged us to think differently and develop more innovative solutions. Adapting to different communication styles, from direct approaches to consensus-driven ones, has enhanced our ability to work effectively in multicultural teams—a skill that’s invaluable in the global life sciences industry." Would you recommend this program to other students? "Absolutely! The CBS-BIO program equips students with essential business knowledge tailored to a science background, making it ideal for aspiring bioentrepreneurs or those aiming for roles in biobusiness. The passionate lecturers and industry guest speakers provide both academic depth and practical insights, creating a learning experience we highly recommend to anyone interested in shaping the future of life sciences." We’re proud to have these talented students from NTU as part of our program, enriching our community with their global outlook and passion for innovation!

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 2024 🌟 This year, the Life Science Career Fair, organized by Synapse DK - Life Science Connect, brought together over 35 companies and more than 600 students across Denmark. It was an incredible platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and exploring career opportunities in the life sciences industry. For our program's students, the event was truly useful. Some of them as Elisenda Domenjó Fernández found a great opportunity to explore different career paths and talk to people from very different fields that she would not normally speak to, for instance IP, attorneys, HR, and get insight into how lives in different companies look like. For many, it was a fantastic opportunity to navigate the Danish life science ecosystem, especially for those who are new to Denmark. 💡 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: They found a unique opportunity, the chance to directly engage with company representatives and gain a deeper understanding of career paths in life sciences. As María Alonso-Tejón shared: "Even if career fairs feel uncomfortable at first, they’re a great chance to step out of your comfort zone and discover what companies are looking for" This year, students particularly appreciated the CV feedback sessions, which helped them enhance their profiles and better align with industry expectations, improving therefore their chances of securing student jobs. For future editions, students would love to see more HR representatives to discuss specific recruitment processes and opportunities at the intersection between science and business. A big thank you to Synapse for organizing such a meaningful event, and to all the companies and participants for making it a success! We can’t wait for next year’s edition.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🧬 We are excited to continue highlighting the inspiring student journeys in our program! Today, we’re featuring Veera, who is thriving in her role as a Student Assistant at AGC Biologics. 🚀 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐣𝐨𝐛?  At AGC Biologics, no two days are alike for her. As part of the Production Coordination Team, each day brings new challenges and learning experiences. One day, you might find her assisting scientists with projects, and the next, she’s coordinating schedules or analyzing data. Every task helps her gain a deeper understanding of working in a dynamic GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) environment. Veera loves the variety and fast-paced nature of her role. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛?  For Veera, the best part of her job is seeing firsthand how the biopharma industry operates. Working with different departments has given her a real appreciation for the teamwork and diverse skill sets required to bring a product to market. Additionally, she values the network she’s built with knowledgeable and passionate colleagues. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫?  Veera believes her role is instrumental in shaping her career path. It has helped her understand the industry better and identify which areas align with her interests. By collaborating with professionals from various fields, she’s gaining clarity on where she wants to focus on after her graduation in June. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭?  Veera advises: Be proactive and grow your network. Take full advantage of the resources offered by CBS and other organizations in Copenhagen. There are plenty of opportunities waiting to be discovered if you’re willing to look for them! Stay tuned for more inspiring student stories! 🌱 

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🌟 We’re thrilled to share another inspiring journey in the world of pharma! Today, we take a look at the day-to-day experience of one of the first year students, Sienna Linden, in her role as student assistant in Strategic Operations and Planning at Ferring Pharmaceuticals. 🗨️ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐣𝐨𝐛? "Every day at Ferring brings something unique! When balancing both school and work, the day might be shorter but is packed with purpose". Sienna showcases that a typical day includes three essentials: A) Coffee to kick things off ☕️ B) A meeting with her boss to outline the day's priorities, and C) Focusing on her assigned tasks, such as updating the company’s SharePoint, creating content for stakeholders, making summaries of ongoing projects and updating important files, ... 🎯 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛? For her, the most rewarding aspect is gaining firsthand experience in a pharmaceutical setting while building a network with like-minded students who share her passion for healthcare, medicine and science. Working in an industry she plans to build a career in, she appreciates seeing the real impact of her role. Plus, she can’t help but highlight Ferring’s fantastic on-site kitchen and the incredible sea view from the office—a refreshing backdrop to her workday. 🚀 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫? She believes this role provides invaluable preparation for a career in pharma. Not only does it offer the chance to connect with professionals, fellow students, and guest speakers, but it also gives a clear understanding of the expectations and demands in the pharmaceutical industry. The experience she’s gaining now will be instrumental as she transitions from student to professional in the future. 🔍 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭? Sienna found her job through a fellow student who was already working at Ferring and informed her about some openings. She said, "If you're looking for a student job, start the search early. I began looking in April (even before I was accepted into my Master's program!) because many companies prefer to hire student workers for a minimum of two years. My advice for securing a student job is to check LinkedIn job postings, leverage your network, and don't hesitate to reach out directly to companies—even if they don’t have open positions, you can still ask if they need a student worker." Stay tunned for more stories from our talented CBS-BIO students! 🧑🎓

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐢: 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐞 🌟 We had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Olivia Holland, a Senior Product Manager at Coloplast, based in Copenhagen. With a BSc in biotechnology and as our MSc program’s alumni, Kate shared valuable insights into her transition from a scientific mindset to a business role. What made you choose to pursue this program? Kate explained that her decision was influenced by her background in biotech, having completed her bachelor's degree in Cardiff University, in the UK. While she loved biotech, she soon realized that working in a wet lab wasn’t the right fit for her. She sought a way to combine her passion for science with a more dynamic, business-oriented environment. The MSc program, blending life sciences with business, seemed like the perfect fit. Additionally, Kate was eager to move abroad, and she described studying in Copenhagen as one of the best decisions she’s ever made. How has the MSc program helped you in your career? Kate shared that the MSc program provided a strong theoretical foundation in understanding the intersection of life sciences and business. Hands-on projects and internships were crucial in bridging the gap between theory and practice. Since completing the program, her skills have grown through real-world experience—applying what she learned to tackle challenges at work. The program's "learning by doing" approach has continued to guide her as she adapts to new technologies and industry changes. Who would benefit most from this program? Kate recommended the program for individuals with a strong foundation in life sciences who are ready to challenge themselves. The program attracts students from diverse backgrounds, including those with PhDs and experience in fields like pharmacy and biology. It’s ideal for those wanting to work in the life sciences industry and engage with companies. With plenty of real-world interaction, it’s perfect for students who thrive in a collaborative, dynamic environment. Looking ahead: When asked about her future, Kate emphasized her focus on deepening her knowledge and growing as a product manager. She also hopes to expand her international experience and continue working on innovative healthcare products. Thank you, Kate, for sharing your insights and inspiring future professionals!

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩: 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐁𝐒 – 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞! ✨ Curious about 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲-𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 is your next step? The recent Graduate Event connected aspiring graduates with leading companies, providing an exceptional space to explore opportunities, gain insights, and network directly with industry representatives. 💼 Company Presentations: Representatives from top companies gave presentations on their graduate programs and entry-level positions, offering a clear look at early-career paths across various sectors. Graduate programs are structured initiatives offered by companies to help recent graduates transition into the professional world. These programs typically last 1-3 years and involve comprehensive training, mentorship, and rotational assignments across different departments. They are designed to provide hands-on experience, skill-building, and insights into various facets of the business, ultimately preparing participants for leadership or specialized roles within the organization. 🌟 Networking: Attendees could engage in conversations at company booths set up in the main hall, where they enjoyed exclusive one-on-one time with recruiters and company representatives. Allowing students to ask questions about program details, company culture, and career paths. Attending students from the CBS - MSc in BA & Bioentrepreneurship program expressed particular excitement about connecting with companies in Pharma, like Novo Nordisk; MedTech, like Coloplast; and Biotech, such as Novonesis, which shared tailored insights into industry-specific roles. Many also found value in consulting firms like Accenture and North Consulting, which opened up new possibilities for applying BIO expertise in strategic and analytical roles. Organized by CBS Careers and tailored for CBS master’s students and recent graduates, the event was a fantastic resource to help launch the next generation of professionals. Be sure to check out these companies’ opportunities—you don’t want to miss out! Thank you to everyone who joined! Best of luck as you step into your careers! 🚀

📢 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭! Please join us in congratulating Saskia and Eric, our newly appointed Student Representatives for the MSc in Business Administration and Bioentrepreneurship Study Board! 🎉 In their role, they’ll be instrumental in shaping our Master’s program by meeting with study directors and collaborating with students from our sister program, MSc in Business Administration and Innovation in Health Care. Together, they’ll work to champion the voices of all CBS BIO students, ensuring every concern is heard and addressed. Thank you both for stepping up with such enthusiasm and dedication. We’re excited to see the positive impact you’ll bring to the CBS community! 🌟🎓

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘂𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗜𝗢 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺🌟 Markus Simeth has recently stepped into the role of study director for CBS’s MSc in Bioentrepreneurship! With a rich academic journey from LMU Munich to EPFL, and academic roles at KU Leuven and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Markus Simeth brings a wealth of expertise to our program. Since joining CBS in 2017, he has passionately led various BIO courses and has established a strong connection with the biotech industry. To help us get to know Markus and his vision, we had the pleasure of conducting an interview. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗜𝗢 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺? He shared that the BIO program is in excellent shape, balancing innovative academic research with strong connections to the biotech and pharma industries. "My vision is to build on the program's strong foundation by keeping it at the cutting edge of both biotech and business”, he explained. “We’ll continue to integrate AI advances, strengthen key methodological skills, and deepen collaborations with companies. My goal is evolution, not revolution—ensuring our program keeps pace with industry demands while retaining its quality." 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲? He explained how guiding the BIO program is rewarding but also challenging. “I believe there is a concern about a potentially declining appreciation for higher education, which could lead to reduced budgets. Logistically, managing our internship program, which depends heavily on the support of our business community, is a demanding yet invaluable part of our students’ experience. Balancing my role as Study Director, coordinating and teaching courses, and publishing academic research is challenging but also keeps my job exciting!" 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆? "BIO graduates fill a unique niche, skilled in both biotechnology and business, making them highly valuable. While they may not be top specialists in science or business alone, their ability to ‘speak both languages’ allows them to operate across science- and business-related functions. Our graduates are ideal for roles in R&D, marketing, business development, and more. Meeting the needs of large corporations, venture capital firms, and startups alike." 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀? Markus advised students to “be curious and proactive”. He encourages us to go beyond academic learning by broadening our network, getting involved in student organizations, attending industry events, and exploring the Copenhagen biotech ecosystem. “Building both knowledge and connections lays a foundation for a fulfilling career.” Thank you, Markus, for sharing your insights and commitment to shaping the program’s next chapter.