Niki's internship: Pfizer

Niki is currently in her final year of BSc Health and Medical Sciences. During the summer after her first year she took part in an internship at Pfizer's Hong Kong regional office, in the tendering team. Here, she tells us more about the experience.

Tell us about your internship and what attracted you to it

I spent 10 weeks at Pfizer’s Hong Kong regional office as part of the Global Pfizer Summer Internship Programme (2023). I interned in the tendering team, the department responsible for supplier acquisition. In Hong Kong, hospitals select a single supplier for each drug, and pharmaceutical companies must compete through a rigorous bidding process to secure contracts. This process is incredibly competitive, requiring precision, strategy, and attention to detail, as successful bids directly impact revenue for the quarter or business year.

I came across the opportunity online. Pfizer’s leading position in the pharmaceutical industry, combined with my own interest in the sector, made it an obvious choice to apply. Initially, I was drawn to the Medical Affairs department, as it seemed closely aligned with the HMS course knowledge. However, after learning I was placed in Tendering and meeting my manager, I realised I would enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to expand my breath of knowledge.

How did you secure this internship?

I applied by sending my CV and an email expressing my interest, which led to a first-round interview with HR. To prepare, I researched Pfizer’s values, assessed my own strengths and weaknesses, and practiced responses to common interview questions. I also asked the hiring manager about their experience in the company. I must admit—I felt I messed up during the interview, so I was initially worried I wouldn’t make it to the next round.

Fortunately, I was selected for a second interview, with my soon-to-be manager. Since Hong Kong is a multilingual city, I was asked to respond in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. My manager asked about my academic and professional interests, the healthcare system, and general interview questions.

Throughout, I tried to use keywords from Warwick’s 12-core skills, while maintaining authenticity and enthusiasm. I also asked how I could best prepare for the role. Beyond my academic background, I believe my enthusiasm and curiosity played a major role in securing the internship

What was the first thing you did as part of the internship?

On my first day, I met my manager, who introduced me to her team while giving me a tour of the office. My first task was to introduce myself during Pfizer’s weekly staff meeting, alongside other new joiners - an incredibly nerve-racking experience! We also attended orientation sessions to familiarise ourselves with Pfizer Inc.’s operational structure, digital tools, and internal systems.

What have you learned as part of the internship?

I gained a broader understanding of the sector beyond research and development, learning how different departments collaborate to ensure seamless, efficient operations. My sector-specific vocabulary and organisational awareness improved significantly.

I learned how to interpret and analyse market research, report findings strategically, and communicate professionally. I also adapted to shifting workloads, deadlines, and team availability. This internship pushed me to be precise, concise, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

Engaging with other departments helped me understand how different teams work synergistically within Pfizer’s complex operational structure. It gave me a grounded perspective on how each department contributes to the bigger picture.

How did your course help you with your internship?

Taught content in the HMS course helped me prepare for the interview. Many of my tasks involved reviewing medical specifications of drugs and conducting research to create educational slide decks for cross-department training. The course provided a strong foundation in understanding and compiling these materials accurately.

What did you enjoy most?

I particularly enjoyed exchanging insights with my manager, who has 40+ years of industry experience. She always brought thoughtful perspectives, which I found invaluable.I enjoyed the challenge of producing deliverables with a low margin for error and enjoyed the process of translating complex knowledge into accessible formats.

Another highlight was working in a multicultural team - interacting with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, all with impressive academic and professional expertise, made the experience even more enriching

How do you think the experience helped you?

One area where I saw significant improvement was my presentation and public speaking skills.

For example, I was tasked with creating a slide deck of a parent drug and later presented it to the sales team, for their comparison to its next-generation counterpart. I had to ensure that my explanations remained scientifically accurate while avoiding excessive medical jargon. I also led a project with fellow interns, developing interactive compliance training resources based on staff experiences and regulatory requirements.

Throughout the internship, I had numerous opportunities to present my work - as the frequency of these presentations increased, so did my confidence. This growth has helped me in my academic assessments.

The knowledge I gained also inspired me to take the HMS pharmacology optional module, it helped me to connect taught concepts with real-world applications.

Has this changed the way you think about future options?

Not necessarily, but it reaffirmed that I enjoy translating scientific knowledge into creative, engaging, and accessible formats.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about summer placements?

Be sure to research the organisation and be genuine, and authentically enthusiastic. It is so easy to get lost in the technicalities of applying and waiting for an internship opportunity to return, and you get lost of what you are interested about. Be well prepared for the interviews and show your boarder interest, personality, and inquisitiveness!

What are your plans after you graduate?

Continue learning and growing in the healthcare sector, whether through employment or a master’s degree

Internship support at Warwick

There are various support schemes available for those looking for biomedical internships, both internally and externally: