HOW DID YOU COME ACROSS THIS INTERNSHIP AND WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THIS INTERNSHIP?
I completed my professional internship as a Manufacturing Science and Technology Intern at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), which I found on LinkedIn. I decided to apply for this role because I was eager to explore the manufacturing sector and gain insights into the biopharmaceutical industry. Additionally, I undertook a non-credited internship with Shopee as a Business Development intern in the health sector of the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) department. I chose this position to develop my business acumen and enhance my communication skills.
WHAT WERE YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN INTERN?
During my internship at GSK, I assisted with drafting process improvement initiatives and preparing data for equipment reports. This role gave me the chance to visit the shop floors and learn about the equipment used in the vaccine manufacturing process. I also took the initiative to start an automation project using VBA to speed up data retrieval and visualisation. Similarly, at Shopee, I helped my department with seller communications, data wrangling, and data cleaning. I even developed automation scripts to improve the operational efficiency for various tasks.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE?
Both internship experiences taught me a lot about their respective industries. At GSK, I gained valuable insights into the biopharmaceutical sector and learned about working principles such as Six Sigma. This opportunity also allowed me to learn more about an engineer’s role in the manufacturing process and production excellence. Similarly, my time at Shopee deepened my understanding of the e-commerce industry and its fast-paced environment. I picked up important business considerations that sellers have to keep in mind for their operations.
WHAT WERE SOME CHALLENGES YOU FACED AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
Coming from a research background, my time at GSK was quite different from the lab environment I was used to. As I was not familiar with the various equipment, it took me some time to grasp their usage and purpose. Thankfully, my friendly colleagues guided me along the way. My time at Shopee was also interesting as my colleagues mentored me on how the e-commerce industry works and taught me how to communicate more effectively with sellers and present information better.
HOW DID CAO HELP YOU IN PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP AND FUTURE WORK?
CAO provided me with numerous opportunities to develop myself beyond what my academic courses offered. Through various workshops, I learned about digital tools such as Power BI and Tableau. CAO also facilitated collaborations with industry partners to bridge school and work. I participated in the NTU PEAK leadership development programme, where I worked in an interdisciplinary group to tackle a real-world business problem and present our solutions to C-suite executives. Additionally, the LevelUP! mentorship programme allowed me to learn from experienced staff and alumni, helping me better prepare for my internship and future work.
HOW HAVE YOU DEVELOPED THROUGH THIS INTERNSHIP?
Through my internship, I learned more about Six Sigma and its practical application in biopharmaceutical vaccine production. Similarly, at Shopee, I gained insights into the factors and considerations that businesses take into account to drive sales and traction. Overall, my internship experiences highlighted the importance of taking initiative to improve processes that you believe in.
SHARE ADVICE WITH YOUR PEERS WHO WILL BE GOING ON INTERNSHIPS.
Be open to try out experiences in fields that you are curious about. Often, these opportunities will not only help you learn more about a career but also about yourself — what excites you and what you are passionate about. Beyond the work itself, make sure to take the time to build relationships as they can take you a long way beyond your internship.
