My experience with Indian Biopharma - Part I

My experience with Biopharma doesn't go beyond couple of years. After completing my under-graduation in Biological Sciences & Bioengineering I chose to work for the 'Business Unit' of an Indian Pharmaceutical firm which focuses on manufacturing 'Biologic' products. I was then completely unaware of the term 'Biologics' which is popular amongst corporate sectors and is widely understood as 'vaccines, recombinant products which are produced by Bioprocesses including recombinant DNA technology, Upstream, Downstream etc.'

My journey in the corporate sector started on 14th July 2008 with 2 weeks of induction post which I was transferred to my Business Unit. A new concept of lab rotation was initiated in the unit to familiarize freshers with their work place. It was company's view at the new recruitments who wanted them to identify their area of interests by working in different domains for couple of months. It also served as a way for us to decide how we wanted to move along corporate ladders in long run.

I chose my stints keeping in mind the unique challenges which they may offer and at the same time provide comprehensive view of the company. I was partially successful with my attempt as:
(1) It took me some time to adjust with the corporate dynamics.
(2) There were certain domains such as finance, marketing, strategy which required more focus and attention

It was an interesting time when I started working on these stints as I came to know lot of people and understood their thoughts/ motivation behind working in the unit.

Getting through F1 Visa

Congratulations!!! By now you must be all geared up for your US visit. One of the first thing which poses an issue before moving to US is procurement of F1 visa. I went through the same issues when I heard that one of my seniors had to wait for 3 months to get his visa.

Here is what happened during my visa interview which was held at Delhi consulate:

Interviewer: Sir, how are you?
Me: Good. How are you?
Interviewer: I am good. Thank you.
Interviewer: So what is your purpose of visit?
Me: I am going for higher studies.
Interviewer: < there was a smile on his face. >
Interviewer: So which program are you joining?
Me: I am going for MS/ PhD integrated in Chemical Engineering at SUNY Buffalo.
Interviewer: Good. You are going to State University of New York. Its very cold there.
Me: < Pause. I didn't say a thing > ...I think he was expecting some response.
Interviewer: Ohh...so you are getting an assistantship and that too TA. Good.
Me: < Pause > ...I think he was expecting some courtesy here.
Interviewer: So from which university you completed your under-graduation.
Me: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Interviewer: Sir your paperwork looks good but we need some more time to process your visa. Please move to the last counter.
Interviewer2 (Indian Guy): Sir,we need some details on your research background. Do you have your CV and university offer letter.
Me: < I handed over my CV and university offer letter to them.>
Interviewer2: Sir, you are through. Please check your status using this case no. written on pink slip. As soon as it says 'Visa Processed', collect your visa from the embassy.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE:

1)Show courtesy to your interviewer.
2)Don't even speak a little about your research work. Not a single technical word.
3)Even if you get pink slip or visa delay under 221(g), don't panic. Contact embassy after 2 weeks from the date of your interview and check status from them.
4)Don't rely solely on the case no. mentioned on the pink slip.

RESULT:
My visa was processed in 25 days and I never came to know about it unless and until I contacted them. There are no updates on the website hence relying on it makes little sense.