David Kapitula, MS, EMTM’10

Integrated Knowledge... Interaction & Networking... Relevance!

Having built his career in biotechnology, David has always been interested in the business of science. After obtaining a masters in biomedical science from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, David led quality control programs at V.I. Technologies and ImClone, and eventually became the director of contract manufacturing at ImClone. With experience in quality and operations, he was ready for a senior role where he could leverage his understanding of both areas. "I didn’t want to leave the biotech arena but I wanted to move toward a position with more global responsibilities in operations and finance."

After an extensive job search for an opportunity that would meet these aspirations, he accepted a position at Cell Genesys, a biotechnology company that develops novel therapies for patients with cancer. "What attracted me to Cell Genesys was that the company was in its early stages and I would be more involved in its growth — not only in regard to quality but as part of the whole process of launching products."

Why EMTM?

While he was still at ImClone, David looked at several MBA programs. "None of them seemed like the right fit for me because they didn’t focus on the path of technology I was on. When I found EMTM I knew it would prepare me to be a better manager within a technical capacity because it offers an integrated education."

Though he chose EMTM when he was based in New Jersey, David didn’t let geographical convenience (or lack thereof) impact his commitment to the program. As he interviewed for a new job, David looked for companies that would accommodate his desire to further his education. He moved to San Francisco to start work at Cell Genesys in the middle of his first term at EMTM and now commutes to school from across the country every other weekend.

Career Impact

David has found that the program fosters networking in a way that conferences and other professional gatherings cannot. "There’s a continual interaction with a defined group of people who offer insight into problems that can parallel your own. Through your classmates, you’re constantly exposed to emerging technologies and different industries."

In EMTM’s core curriculum, David is finding the business fundamentals he was looking for, but he has been impressed with just how practical and applicable the classes have been to his day-to-day work. "There’s not one day where you don’t walk out having learned something you can put to immediate use. The amazing part is that it’s all relevant."

He’s also found that these lessons are having a tangible impact on his career. At ImClone he was included in the marketing team as the operations representative as a result of his exposure to and increased understanding of marketing concepts gained in EMTM. In addition, he says, "Accounting and Statistics classes have helped me more effectively approach budgeting issues. I now have more complex tools for presenting ideas — communicating the return on an investment, for instance — and I can now ensure that projects will move forward."

Looking ahead, David would eventually like to start his own biotech company, and he feels that through EMTM he’s getting an academic foundation and developing relationships that will help him achieve his goals. "Whether you’re advancing down a management track, looking for new opportunities or simply filling in gaps, this program will be an integral part of your growth."

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