Explore WBCIL’s Pharma Plant: Hands-On Experience That Shapes Your Career Path
Isn’t it magical to step into a real pharmaceutical plant for the first time? The sound of machinery, the pristine laboratories, the careful precision of scientists at work— and here it’s where textbook theories come alive. Recently, the bright and curious students of St. Xavier’s College experienced exactly this when they visited West Bengal Chemical Industries Limited (WBCIL) for an industrial visit that turned into so much more than just a facility tour.
This wasn’t your typical corporate visit where students shuffle through corridors and listen to formal presentations. Instead, it became an afternoon of genuine Q&A discussion about building a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Led by honourable Mr. Sunil Kumar Agarwal, the Managing Director of WBCIL, the session felt less like a lecture and more like a mentorship moment—the kind that stays with you long after you leave.
For students studying Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Pharmaceuticals, this visit opened doors to every curious and budding scientist.
They didn’t even how does the world of pharma look like! WBCIL showed them that the pharmaceutical industry isn’t just about medicines on shelves. It’s about innovation, dedication, and the incredible responsibility of creating products that touch the lives of millions across the country.
Takeaways
1. Real conversation with WBCIL’s managing director, Honourable Mr. Sunil Agarwal
2. Does your grade really matter? Why your scorecard might not be the dealbreaker you think it is, and what actually gets you hired and promoted
3. The future of Pharma is in your hands. How can you build a strong career in the pharma industry?
When Curiosity Meets Industry Leadership?
What made this visit truly special was the person leading it. Mr. Sunil Agarwal didn’t just walk the students through the plant—he sat down with them. He listened. He answered every single question, no matter how basic or complex. And he did it with the kind of patience and encouragement that tells you he genuinely cares about the next generation of pharmaceutical professionals.
One student asked about advanced degrees. Another wanted to know how to get that crucial first experience when every job posting seems to require experience. These aren’t hypothetical questions—they’re the real worries that keep students up at night as they think about their futures.
And our respected MD Mr. Agarwal Sir addressed each one with honesty and practical wisdom.
He shared something that resonated deeply with everyone in the room: “Seniority is the key to success.” But he wasn’t talking about age or how many degrees you have. He was talking about experience—the kind you build day by day, project by project, challenge by challenge.
It’s about showing up, learning constantly, and proving your commitment to the work.
For students who sometimes feel overwhelmed by the pressure to have perfect grades or multiple certifications, this was refreshing. The message was clear: yes, education matters, but your mindset, your curiosity, and your willingness to learn matter even more.
Inside the World of Pharma Manufacturing
Walking through WBCIL’s facilities, the students got to see what pharmaceutical manufacturing actually looks like. They toured quality control laboratories where every batch is tested with precision.
They learned about microbiology workflows—the careful, methodical processes that ensure every product meets the highest safety standards.
They witnessed R&D processes where innovation happens. They saw advanced technologies in action. They understood how raw materials transform into finished pharmaceutical products, nutraceuticals, and APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) that eventually reach hospitals, clinics, and homes across India.
But beyond the machinery and the science, they learned something more important: they learned about purpose. The pharmaceutical industry isn’t just another job sector. It’s about creating products that heal, that improve quality of life, that sometimes even save lives. When you work in pharma, you’re part of something bigger than yourself. You’re contributing to national health, to medical progress, to the well-being of millions of people.
WBCIL embodies this mission every single day. As a government enterprise under the West Bengal Government, it operates with a clear vision: science that serves people and the nation. This isn’t just corporate talk—it’s the foundation of everything they do.
Breaking the Experience Barrier
One of the most valuable parts of the visit came when a third-year Microbiology student asked a question that probably every fresh graduate worries about: “If industries require baseline experience, how can fresh graduates gain the initial experience needed to work in R&D labs or industrial operations?”
It’s the classic catch-22 of job hunting. You need experience to get hired, but you need to get hired to gain experience. So how do you break in?
Our honourable Sir Mr. Agarwal’s response was both reassuring and empowering. He explained that the pharmaceutical industry does hire fresh graduates. The key is approach and attitude.
Companies are looking for people who are willing to learn, who show genuine interest, and who understand that career growth is a journey, not a shortcut.
He emphasised that your first job is your foundation. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be in R&D right away. What matters is that you start somewhere, you build your skills, and you prove your reliability. Once you’re in the door, once you’ve shown what you can do, opportunities multiply.
He also pointed out practical first steps: internships, training programs, plant visits (exactly like this one), and even volunteering opportunities. These experiences build your resume and, more importantly, they build your confidence. They help you understand what working in a pharmaceutical environment actually feels like.
Will AI take jobs?
It was one of the vital questions asked by a curious mind at WBCIL industrial visit. Our hounarable MD Sir answered the questions effortlessly that proves that the strive of adopting new technologies is still in his mind.
He answered with his wit and wisdom. He took us 30 years ago, when the computer was introduced to India, and people were strongly opposed to it. Most of the public thought it would take their jobs. Now, the technology has changed like never before, and AI has conquered the world with new strategies and new job openings.
He added- AI (Artificial Intelligence) is here to assist us, and we need to know how we will use these AI tools. Humans have invented AI, and it is our responsibility to use it wisely.
Skills Over Certificates
Another important theme throughout the visit was the emphasis on practical skills over just academic credentials. Yes, degrees matter—an MSc or PhD can open certain doors and accelerate your growth. But respected Mr. Agarwal Sir was crystal clear: skills, discipline, and curiosity matter more.
Strong laboratory fundamentals are one of the essential factors in pharmaceutical industry.
Understanding Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), knowing how to handle equipment properly, being meticulous with documentation—these practical skills make you valuable from day one.
A student with solid hands-on experience and the right attitude can often progress faster than someone with impressive degrees but no practical exposure.
This was incredibly encouraging for students who may not plan to pursue higher degrees immediately, or who worry that their educational path isn’t impressive enough. The message was: build your skills, show dedication, keep learning, and the industry will value you.
The Future of Pharma in India
India’s pharmaceutical industry is booming, and it needs talented, committed people to sustain that growth. We’re not just manufacturing medicines for our own population—we’re supplying the world. India is known as the pharmacy of the globe, producing affordable, quality medicines that reach patients in countries across every continent.
Within this larger story, companies like WBCIL play a crucial role. They’re not just producing products; they’re training the next generation, they’re investing in innovation, and they’re maintaining the high standards that make Indian pharma globally respected.
For students entering this field now, the timing couldn’t be better. There’s demand for microbiologists, pharmaceutical scientists, quality control experts, R&D researchers, and manufacturing specialists. There are opportunities in sterile manufacturing, in developing new formulations, in ensuring product safety, in regulatory affairs, and in so many other specialized areas.
The pharmaceutical industry offers stable careers, meaningful work, and the chance to be part of scientific progress. And as Mr. Agarwal demonstrated during this visit, there are leaders in this industry who genuinely care about mentoring young talent and helping them succeed.
Why Visits Like This Matter?
Industrial visits aren’t just about seeing facilities—they’re about bridging the gap between academic learning and professional reality. They help students understand what their future careers might actually look like. They make abstract concepts concrete. They answer questions that textbooks can’t.
For the students of St. Xavier’s College who participated in this visit, they walked away with more than just information. They walked away with inspiration. They saw that their degrees have real-world applications.
They met professionals who started where they are now and built successful careers. They learned that the pharmaceutical industry is accessible, welcoming, and full of opportunities for those willing to work hard and keep learning.
Most importantly, they felt valued. In a world where students often feel like just another face in the crowd, having a Managing Director personally answer your questions and encourage your ambitions makes a profound difference.
Your Path Forward
If you’re a student in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields, consider seeking out experiences like this. Reach out to companies for internships. Ask your college to arrange industrial visits. Attend pharmaceutical conferences and seminars.
Build your network. Learn everything you can about the practical side of your field.
And if you’re specifically interested in learning more about WBCIL and the opportunities they offer, don’t hesitate to reach out—companies like us value curious, motivated students who take initiative.
The pharmaceutical industry needs you—your fresh perspectives, your energy, your dedication to science. The doors are open. The question is: are you ready to walk through them?