Pfizer, Inc.

Communications Project Assistant

May - August 2018 • New York City, NY

What I liked

I did the job through the Pfizer Student Workers program through Atrium staffing. They provided a lot of events for interns to go to talks, meet up for fun events, and learn about the business. That was nice, in addition to the day-to-day work that I did. As far as the aforementioned day-to-day work went, my manager was exceedingly kind and not at all patronizing—I never had to grab people coffee! The work I did, while not as essential as mixing life-saving drugs, was never treated as petty work. I gained a lot of experience with formal workplace interactions (writing emails, interviewing colleagues, going to meetings), which I am very grateful for

What I wish was different

I mentioned the events for the student workers, but I didn’t attend any. Additionally, I didn’t work with any students in my area so it was a bit isolated, though that was on me.

Advice

Don’t be afraid to try jobs in areas that you don’t have an immense passion for. It doesn’t have to be on track with what you want to do in order to give you learning experiences. I know what it’s like to work in a New York office, and this familiarity has helped me grow confidence. Also, don’t be afraid to be social; it’s essential for networking, but more importantly (in my view) it makes the experience a lot more enriching and fun.

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Communications and Project Associate

May - August 2019 • Andover, MA

What I liked

I loved being in a large company with a structured program for their interns, co-ops and summer workers. I felt like a part of a team, did meaningful work, presented in front of colleagues and enjoyed some large company benefits such as attending a Red Sox game! Additionally, I was able to shadow positions all around the site, exposing me to all the different aspects of a biotech company.

What I wish was different

I wish that my specific role catered more towards my biology major, as my work surrounded business and manufacturing, which I had less experience in.

Advice

Network and explore! Even though your internship may put you in one department, many companies embrace your curiosity and will let you shadow people all around the site.

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Biometrics Intern

May - August 2019 • New York City, NY

What I liked

Everyone was very friendly and willing to help and create projects with you. The company hosted so many programs for the interns and it was fun meeting the chief of staff.

What I wish was different

Some days there was not enough work.

Advice

Ask as many questions as you can and take initiative!

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Lab Assistant

May 2018 • La Jolla, CA

What I liked

I love the environment and the overall mission of the company.

What I wish was different

Nothing. I truly enjoy working here.

Advice

If you're going into research, realize that more often than not, the expected or desired results don't always come right away.

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Quality Assurance Intern

May - August 2019 • Parsippany, NJ

What I liked

Very laid back and friendly work environment, made a lot of connections, great stepping stone for my future goals

What I wish was different

nothing, everything was wonderful.

Advice

I definitely recommend the Pfizer Summer Student Worker Program to anyone interested. It was a great experience, especially for those interested in chemistry or pharmaceuticals.

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Engineering Co-op

July 2019 • Andover, MA

What I liked

It is a good company to work for. I learned a lot. I made a lot of great professional connections.

What I wish was different

I wish that I had more hands on work.

Advice

Absolutely do at least one co-op if you can.

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QCA CO-OP

January - June 2019 • Andover, MA

What I liked

Colleagues were very helpful and friendly. Great work environment.

What I wish was different

Came in at a hectic time of the year. Training was slow in the beginning. Wish I had a quicker training period so I could work on more projects during my time there.

Advice

Ask as many questions as you need. Get out of your comfort zone!

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Clinical Development

June - August 2019 • Groton, CT

What I liked

The facilities were well-kept and the employees that I worked with were friendly and helpful.

What I wish was different

I wish I had been able to interact with other interns, but unfortunately I was the only intern in my department and general area of Pfizer.

Advice

Never be afraid to ask questions, because the people around you are always willing to help and aren't expecting the world of interns!

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Global Tax Intern

May - August 2019 • Peapack-Gladstone, NJ

What I liked

Support from staff, tasks that were pertinent to my major and future career, opportunity to expand network

What I wish was different

Advice

Be sure to make connections with people you meet and leave a good impression

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Engineering Intern

May - August 2019 • McPherson, KS

What I liked

The people I worked with in the OpEx department were amazing and were patient and helped me learn a lot about the pharmaceutical industry. Allowed me to pursue projects on my own and drive the experience to what I wanted

What I wish was different

Living accommodations were not great. Also McPherson is one hour from Wichita where there’s actual stuff to do

Advice

Must be self driven. People help you when asked. No hand holding really. You will get what you put into it

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Data Analytics Intern

June - August 2019 • Collegeville, PA

What I liked

The company culture and vetted intern program

What I wish was different

More interns in my specific department to collaborate with

Advice

Network with people outside your department! Everyone is so willing to help and meet a new face

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Environmental Law Intern

May - August 2019 • New York City, NY

What I liked

There were a lot of resources for interns including programming, technical training, and learning opportunities with high-level colleagues.

What I wish was different

Advice

If you don't feel like you are getting enough to do from your manager, ask other members of the team if there are opportunities for you to lend a hand.

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Cleaning Chemistry Intern

August 2017 • Andover, MA

What I liked

I work as a member of a team that handles a wide variety of projects and works with a lot of different groups. The work I does actually has an impact on the facility and is vital for the production.

What I wish was different

It's not really directly related to what I'm studying.

Advice

Working at a company, especially a big one like Pfizer, for just 3 months over the summer really isn't enough time to get your hands into the meat of things. I wasn't fully trained until about 2 months in to what was supposed to be a 6 month co-op, and I think at least part of why they asked me to stay on was because it would be 2 months after they hired a new guy before he would be able to actually fully take over for me. If you can, I would definitely go for a 6 month co-op over a 3 month.

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Lab Tech

May - August 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

It was an amazing experience! I learned much about cell mechanisms, lab work, and even led a meeting.

What I wish was different

I personally wish that I could have been there longer. It was so much fun to learn about what everyone was doing, and I felt like every day was an amazing new experience.

Advice

My experiments actually showed a novel pathway. Essentially, I found a protein pathway that no one else has before. This led to my lab group to change its focus in order to better help find a cure for Lung cancer.

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Scientific Informatics Coordinator

May - August 2019 • St. Louis, MO

What I liked

I loved the ability to work at Pfizer, which is a great company. My supervisor let me take on projects and meet with many managers as my projects took course. I was also able to guide and plan my own projects, much like I would at a full time job.

What I wish was different

I wish that my role had been more relatable to my major - but the experience was still immensely valuable.

Advice

Take advantage of your new network, and seek out projects within your department but also others that you may be interested in. This will help you gain exposure to different work and build a great reputation!

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Targeted Immunotherapy Intern

May - August 2019 • Pearl River, NY

What I liked

Amazing opportunity to learn in a large pharmaceutical company. Everyone was so welcoming and I really felt like I was part of the team.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Finance summer student worker

May - August 2019 • New York City, NY

What I liked

I liked having a manager who not only had us work for her, but worked with us to find work that would suit each of our career paths individually. I loved having so many people willing to meet and answer questions and network. I loved having real, meaningful work experience

What I wish was different

I wish that I had taken more opportunities to network and reach out to as many people as possible

Advice

Do not be afraid to ask questions. You are there to learn and grow through this experience and everyone is there to help you.

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Mechanical Engineering Intern

May 2019 • Andover, MA

What I liked

Great experience in a professional setting.

What I wish was different

I wish i could have started earlier and worked more days during the summer.

Advice

The people at this company are always willing to help no matter what the question is. A great way to learn about a professional workplace is with good coworkers and employees

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Asset Manager

June - August 2019 • Chesterfield, MO

What I liked

Independence

What I wish was different

More Structure

Advice

Would Recommend

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Instrument Validation Co-Op

March 2019 • Andover, MA

What I liked

I love the sense of community that the site provides. They have team building opportunities to help build connections to your department. The culture creates trust and the free events are also fun!