What organization did you intern with? What was your role?
I interned with Takeda Pharmaceuticals as a Global Regulatory Affairs Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls summer Intern.
Where was your internship located?
The Greater Boston Area.
What is your career goal?
My career goal is to aid in the equitable delivery of both preventative healthcare and treatment options.
What was your internship funding source?
Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
What were your duties/responsibilities during your internship?
During my internship, I was tasked with two projects that involved setting up meetings with various stakeholders/colleagues, and compiling the information to present my final findings and suggested changes. Another responsibility outside of the project assignment – one that was encouraged by the team I worked with – was networking. This involved setting up coffee chats, virtually and in person, exploring different offices to meet people, and just putting myself out there.
What did you take away from your experience as an intern? What was the value of the internship to you?
A huge takeaway for me was realizing that the field of work I am interested in requires continuous learning. As a student, I enjoy learning and trying to be innovative, so a fear of mine is working in a career where I feel like everything is routine and I am not growing or learning. During my internship, I was able to experience continuous learning. I learned so much about the field of work and myself, so the value of this internship was definitely powerful.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your internship? What was the most challenging aspect? The most surprising aspect?
The most rewarding aspect of my internship experience is the connections I've created. I have fostered strong connections with my fellow interns and colleagues, which helped me through my project, but also with my career trajectory. I'd say the most challenging aspect was getting started. Although I had prior experience in regulatory affairs, it was nothing like what I was doing during this internship. Being okay with not knowing everything from the start was challenging at first, but with the help of the team, I was able to learn everything I needed to complete my project and gain more interest in global regulatory affairs.
How has YSPH prepared you for this internship?
YSPH prepared me for this internship through my coursework. I was able to take multiple courses on the pharmaceutical industry here, such as Introduction to Regulatory Affairs, Pharmaceutical Public Policy, and FDA Law, all of which gave me a baseline of knowledge. Additionally, connections made with professors and organizations at YSPH were helpful in preparing me for this role.
What would you say to a student who’s considering a similar internship?
Go for it! It's an incredibly interesting field of work that is constantly evolving. There are so many parts to global regulatory affairs, so getting your foot in the door is the best way to start exploring the options and finding your passion!