How To Get A Pharmaceutical Internship
Quick answer: To get a pharmaceutical internship, choose the area that interests you, tailor your resume, research companies, network and keep applying. Big pharma hubs include Switzerland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Singapore. AIP offers pharmaceutical and medical internships across its destinations, including hospital rotation programs in India and Nepal, and interns never do anything that needs a license.
What is pharmaceutical?
Pharmaceuticals are chemical compounds or biological substances that are used to treat, cure, or prevent diseases and medical conditions. These chemical compounds are developed and produced by pharmaceutical companies from all over the world. As medicine comes with great power, it is heavily regulated by national and international authorities to ensure safe use and efficacy.
What is the role of the pharmaceutical industry in the world?
The pharmaceutical industry plays a massive role in the world today by providing treatments for various diseases and medical conditions. If you remember correctly, the pandemic had all these pharmaceutical companies in overdrive as the search for a vaccine was desperately needed. It is thanks to the research and development of new vaccines that we were able to combat Covid-19.
That is what pharmaceutical companies are essentially responsible for: they research and develop new drugs to help combat new viruses, improve quality of life and save lives. The industry also plays a major role in the economy, as it employs thousands of people and can generate billions of dollars in revenue.
What are the steps to get a pharmaceutical internship?
- Determine your area of interest. There are numerous paths one can take when doing an internship in the pharmaceutical industry. You have to narrow down the areas that interest you. Once you have narrowed these choices down, you can then focus on finding the right opportunity.
- Craft your resume. A resume is the first impression an employer will get about you. It is therefore super important that it is tailored to the job you are applying for. Companies value relevant experience, so include any relevant coursework and other activities you have undertaken. Consider getting a part-time job or volunteering if you lack experience, as this can make a great addition to your resume.
- Look up companies that are of interest to you and explore whether there are any pharmaceutical internship vacancies available in your preferred destinations. You can visit their website or check job boards to discover more vacancies there.
- Network. Some career surveys suggest that roughly 85% of jobs are filled through networking, so treat it as a skill worth mastering. The best way is to reach out to people in the industry, whether they are professionals or people you look up to. Connect with them and write them a message to ask for tips or advice.
- Be persistent in the whole application process. You will probably go through a lot of rejections, as that is the reality of the world. However, it is important to keep your head high and keep searching. It will only be a matter of time before the right opportunity presents itself. You are on your way to success, so don't give up on your pharmaceutical internship.
Where are the best places to do a pharmaceutical internship?
Switzerland
Switzerland is renowned for its robust pharmaceutical industry and is home to some of the world's most prominent companies in the field. From pharmaceutical giants such as Novartis and Roche to innovative leaders like CSL Behring, the country boasts a strong presence in the sector. But Switzerland is not only a center of pharmaceutical production but also a hub for medical research and development. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking to gain experience and knowledge in the pharmaceutical field through an internship.
Singapore
Singapore is a rapidly growing center for pharmaceutical research and development in Asia. The country has a highly skilled workforce and a strong infrastructure, making it a prime destination for pharmaceutical companies looking to expand in the region. A pharmaceutical internship in Singapore is an excellent way to exchange knowledge and skills with some of the best in the field.
United States
The United States is home to some of the world's largest and most influential pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. Many of these companies have headquarters or research and development centers in cities like New York, Boston, and San Diego, which can be great places to pursue a pharmaceutical internship.
United Kingdom
The UK has a thriving pharmaceutical industry, with many major global pharmaceutical companies having a presence in the country. London is one of the main centers for pharmaceutical research and development in Europe, and the city is home to numerous pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions.
Germany
Germany is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical markets and a major center for research and development. The country is home to many world-renowned pharmaceutical companies, such as Bayer and Merck, and also many medium-size companies specialized in biotech. A pharmaceutical internship in Germany allows you to get your hands on some of the most exciting pharmaceutical technologies.
Can you do a pharmaceutical or medical internship with AIP?
Yes. We offer pharmaceutical and medical internships across our destinations, including Singapore from the list above, and our India and Nepal programs include hospital rotations. AIP interns never do anything that needs a license, and we place you with organizations that work in English. Tell us what your university needs and we will look for a placement that fits. If we accept you and can't place you, you get your full deposit back.
Every program includes visa assistance and 24/7 emergency support. You can learn more on our medical internship page or browse our destinations.
Closing remarks
An internship in the pharmaceutical sector is a great way to gain valuable experience in a growing industry. If you want to do a healthcare or pharmaceutical internship abroad, start with a free call with a career advisor and see how AIP works.
FAQs
How do I get a pharmaceutical internship?
Pick the area that interests you, tailor your resume with relevant coursework or volunteering, research companies in your preferred destinations, network with people in the industry and keep applying. Rejections are normal, so stay persistent.
Where does AIP offer pharmaceutical and medical internships?
AIP offers pharmaceutical and medical internships across its destinations, including hospital rotation programs in India and Nepal. We match you to a healthcare placement that fits your studies, and if we accept you and can't place you, you get your full deposit back.
Do I need a license to do a pharmaceutical internship with AIP?
No. AIP interns never do anything that needs a license, so you will not prescribe, dispense or treat anyone. Tell us what your university needs and we will look for a placement that fits.
Can I do a pharmaceutical internship if I am not a student?
Yes. AIP welcomes anyone aged 18 or over, whether you are a student, a graduate or changing careers, with or without a degree. Host companies work in English.
How long does a pharmaceutical internship with AIP last?
Internships run from 6 to 24 weeks and can start at any time of year. Finding your placement takes about 8 weeks from your deposit, so apply with a start date at least 12 weeks away. If your start date is less than 12 weeks away, you need AIPx Fast Track.
Want to see all the places you can intern? Browse our destinations.
Thinking about interning in Asia?
Browse destinations, then apply. It's free to apply, and you only pay a deposit once we accept you.
Tyler Beauchamp
