The Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego today launched the Learning Consortium, a new executive education program designed to deliver business and leadership skill development for organizations driven by science, technology and innovation. The Learning Consortium was developed in partnership with BIOCOM, a San Diego-based life science industry association that represents companies in Southern California.

Research in the local business community identified a need for a higher level of executive education for the region’s smaller companies, many of which are in start-up mode. Typical executive education programs last several days and are very costly, which for a small or start-up company can be prohibitive. The Learning Consortium offers a solution for these companies— offering the management training companies need— combined with the schedule and cost that their calendars and budget allow.

“The Rady School was created with input from the local business community,” said Rady School Dean Robert S. Sullivan. “BIOCOM and its members have played an important role in our success and we are looking forward to serving their members with this innovative program.”

“The Rady School is a welcome addition to the San Diego business community,” said BIOCOM President and CEO Joe Panetta. “This is another example of the cutting-edge new school responding to the needs of the community. Our membership will benefit greatly from this partnership.”

The Learning Consortium offers another distinct advantage over traditional executive programs— the issuance of a “certificate of achievement” — to be granted upon completion of a series of core and elective courses. Thesecertificates will be recognized within the industry as a valuable and recognizable measure for hiring or promotion. The Rady School is also in discussion with CommNexus and Connect about similar partnerships.

Courses will focus on business and leadership skills for ambitious entrepreneurs, as well as other professionals seeking to develop their business acumen. Electives will allow participants to fine-tune their education, to meet their needs and interests. The first courses will be offered in January 2006.

The Rady School at UC San Diego offers a revolutionary MBA program and executive education courses that grow innovators into successful business leaders. Situated in San Diego’s globally recognized hotbed of innovation, the school is uniquely poised to offer access to both cutting-edge research and a fully engaged business community. The Rady School presents an integrated approach to business and technology and emphasizes cross-boundary collaborations and joint degree programs with UC San Diego centers of excellence: science, engineering, medicine, economics and international relations. The Rady School draws upon UC San Diego’s tradition of risk-taking and breakthrough innovation to recruit the top educators and students in the world.

BIOCOM is the largest regional life sciences association in the world, representing more than 450 member companies in San Diego and Southern California. The association focuses on initiatives that positively influence the growth of the life science industry and the development and delivery of products that improve global health and quality of life. This includes initiatives in capital formation, public policy, workforce development, and scientific discovery and development. 

To learn more about the Learning Consortium or to register, visit the program Web site at www.rady.ucsd.edu/consortium.

Media Contacts: Keri Minehart, (858) 534-0855.