Internships are an important part of a student’s journey toward becoming a pharmaceutical professional. They provide a hands-on approach to learning and allow graduating students to have practical experience, expand their network and gain exposure to real-world situations. We will explore what internships in pharma degrees involve, how they are beneficial later in practice, and what makes them unique. Pharmaceutical degree holders can intern with companies focusing on drug discovery and development, regulatory affairs, marketing, sales, quality control, and inspection. They can also intern in roles such as research and manufacturing within the pharmaceutical industry.
What are internships in pharma degrees?
Internships in pharma degrees are taken by students who are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in pharmaceutical science. These internships provide students with real-world experience in the pharmaceutical industry, allowing them to work alongside established professionals. In these internships, students can work in research and development, clinical trials, marketing, sales, and regulation.
The duration of internships in pharma degrees can vary from one semester to a year, and students can find internships in local and international pharmaceutical companies. Some universities offer these internships in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies; the benefit is these companies are accessible to students, and the university can strengthen its relationship with the industry. The University of Findlay offers a pharmacy program online giving students the opportunity to complete a pharmacy program from a reputable university through distance learning. The Doctor of Pharmacy program can be completed in four years full-time and no PCAT is required.
Benefits of internships in Pharma degrees
1. Practical experience
Theoretical knowledge taught in classrooms is essential, but practical experience makes professionals. Ultimately, it is in practice that pharmaceutical professionals can apply everything that they learned in class. Internships provide students with hands-on experience, exposing them to real-world scenarios. It is a chance for students to apply everything that they have learned in school and to navigate challenges that arise in the real-life pharmaceutical industry.
2. Increased network
Networking is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry. Internships in pharma degrees can provide students with access to professionals already working in the field. By interacting with professionals in different pharmaceutical departments, students can gain knowledge regarding the different career opportunities available in the industry. In addition, an internship experience can lead to securing job offers in the pharmaceutical industry.
3. Exposure to real-world situations
The best way to learn is by doing; internships provide this opportunity. Working in a real-life pharmaceutical setting, students are exposed to situations they are unlikely to encounter in a classroom. These situations include drug interactions; regulations; communication with prescribers, patients, and insurance companies; and meeting deadlines. Through these experiences, students can acquire a unique skill set to transfer into future practice.
4. Boosts job market competitiveness
Graduates with internship experience gained while pursuing a pharma degree are highly sought after in the job market. Internships are an opportunity for students to showcase their skills, knowledge, and talents to potential employers, and it’s a way to set themselves apart from graduates who don’t have such experience. Employers often view internships as an indication that the graduate has experience working in the pharmaceutical field, indicating their ability to work independently and eagerness to learn.
5. Increases self-confidence
Internships in pharma degrees allow students to gain self-confidence by tackling real-life issues, which enables them to become more confident in decision-making and problem-solving. Internships help students to develop their communication, leadership, and cooperation skills, molding them into well-rounded individuals.
How to find the right internship for you
Finding the right internship can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right research and preparation, you can find an internship that fits your goals and interests. Whether you’re looking for pharma internships near you or abroad, here are some tips to help you find the perfect internship.
Start by researching different types of internships in pharmacy and make a list of potential employers that offer those types of internships. Then, look into each company’s requirements and application process to determine which suits your skillset best. Finally, reach out to people who have already completed similar internships to get an insider’s perspective on what it’s like working with each organization. These steps can help you find an internship suited to your career goals.
Tips on making the most of your internship experience
Whether you are completing a pharmacy internship or any other type of internship, it’s important to take advantage of all available resources. Read success stories from interns in your field and learn from their experiences. From this, you can gain insight into job expectations, and how to succeed in your role. Additionally, reach out to mentors who can provide advice and guidance throughout your internship journey. One important aspect is to love what you do; the process will be much easier.
Finally, don’t forget about networking opportunities! These can be invaluable when it comes down to finding a job after completing your internship. Use this time to build relationships with people in your field and expand your professional network.
Unique Aspects of pharmaceutical internships
The pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, and the internship approach reflects this by requiring students to adhere to specific ethical standards and protocols. An example is ensuring that the trial subjects are protected while conducting clinical trials. The pharmaceutical industry operates under a strict quality control system, which requires organizations to adhere to strict guidelines. As such, the pharmaceutical industry has a considerable role in protecting public safety. Pharmaceutical companies must submit their product for approval by the FDA, a process that can take years. Interns in the pharmaceutical industry can work on these regulatory processes, understand their importance and interact with the FDA by interfacing with an FDA reviewer.
The pharmaceutical industry also has a considerable impact on global health. Pharmaceutical companies strive to find treatments and cures to improve the quality of life for patients around the globe. The pharmaceutical industry also significantly impacts the economy and provides job opportunities for millions of individuals worldwide.
Final thoughts
Internships in pharma degrees offer students the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, exposure to real-world situations, and interact with field professionals. These internships are essential as they provide a sneak peek into the industry, allowing students to determine if it is the right career path for them. In addition, internships provide an advantage in the job market by offering practical experience and enhancing the student’s career profile. Any student pursuing a pharma degree should find an internship that aligns with their career interests to increase their chances of success in the pharmaceutical industry.
