MMB Summer Internships
The Master of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) program at NC State offers a unique blend of science and business education to prepare our graduates with the experiences necessary for a successful career in the biotechnology industry.
A critical component of the MMB degree is the completion of a summer internship experience. Despite the difficulties posed by COVID-19, MMB students safely spent their summer working at different companies in Research Triangle Park – one of the fastest growing biotech hubs in the world. Some MMB students share their internship experiences and any advice they have for future students.
What led you to pursue this particular internship?
“I am interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and working with biopharmaceutical products. I also wanted experience working with the manufacturing areas for pharmaceuticals.”
What was a typical day like for you?
“Most of my projects involve identifying and resolving issues with the processes and systems currently used in my department. I often need to participate in meetings with different manufacturing areas to discuss actions for resolving the issues.”
How did the MMB program help you prepare for a successful internship?
“The MMB program provided me with experience conducting meetings and networking. It also improved my project management skills allowing me to successfully plan out and execute projects.”
How did your internship help you develop professionally and personally?
“My internship exposed me to the different roles and opportunities within pharmaceuticals and helped to improve my professional network. I also developed my problem solving and communication skills.”
What was your greatest achievement at your internship?
“My greatest achievement was being able to identify ways the current processes could be improved and being able to employ solutions to make them better.”
What advice do you have for future MMB interns?
“Go to networking events and career fairs when searching for jobs. They are a great way to learn more information about the positions and make personal connections with the hiring managers.”
What led you to pursue this particular internship?
“My supervisor at Vestaron presented for the MMB class early in my first semester. As the year came to an end, an email was sent out about how they needed an intern so I applied. I reached out to Kineticos for an informational interview because a friend in my cohort had interned with them and I wanted to learn more about the company. That interview eventually led me to an internship.”
What was a typical day like for you?
“I mostly worked from home on various projects. Vestaron had me working more on external innovation where I did more independent research; things like competitive intelligence reports, due diligence, project proposals, etc. Kineticos was focused more on lead generation and sending out emails to potential clients. I also helped them on their operations side by building out slide decks and doing secondary research.”
How did the MMB program help you prepare for a successful internship?
“Ambiguity management was key for Vestaron. The projects were entirely up to me to figure out most of the scope and goals. The practicum projects that I did for the MMB were almost exactly the same as what Kineticos does for their clients. That helped me to understand what they do for their projects.”
How did your internship help you develop professionally and personally?
“Both internships challenged my ability to organize and manage my time effectively. Vestaron had me do several presentations which grew my public speaking and communication skills. Kineticos gave me exposure to a variety of new and exciting biotech industries that have impacted my goals after graduation.”
What was your greatest achievement at your internship?
“At Vestaron, it was presenting several projects to upper management. At Kineticos, it was helping do primary research for an important project.”
What advice do you have for future MMB interns?
“Informational interviews are an amazing way to connect and find internship opportunities.”
To learn more about our internships or opportunities to partner with our program, please visit our website!