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Upstate Life Sciences Companies, Educational Partners Discuss Majors Needed Most For Entry-Level Positions

SOUTH CAROLINA – August 27, 2024 – Member companies explained the skills they were seeking from those entering the workforce and identified these majors as a priority for filling their entry-level positions.

Upstate colleges, universities, and life sciences companies met on Tuesday at SCbio’s space at Main Street Labs in Greenville to discuss the industry’s workforce needs.

Educational institutions such as Clemson University, Lander University, Newberry College, Presbyterian College, and the University of South Carolina Upstate shared their updated degree program offerings and curriculums and their latest efforts to help with career preparation for students entering the life sciences workforce.

Industry members explained the skills they were seeking from those entering the workforce and identified these majors as a priority for filling their entry-level positions:

Listed in order of importance by members

  1. Chemistry
  2. Data Sciences
  3. Biochemistry
  4. Microbiology
  5. Bioengineering
  6. Biology
  7. Physics
  8. Genetics

Educational members also identified internship grant opportunities, including those from the SCbio Foundation, which awarded $7,500 in grants to three South Carolina college students to support their summer internships at life sciences companies within the Palmetto State.

The next SCbio Regional Workforce Roundtable will be on October 16 in Columbia. This event is open to SCbio members only.  

Thank you to our event sponsor: HTI

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.