For my Science & Global Change practicum, I interned at Kenvue Inc., a pharmaceutical company specializing in consumer healthcare products. My placement was specifically within the Drug and Safety department. This site offered a unique environment combining scientific inquiry with practical business operations, focusing mainly on ensuring accurate and reliable pharmaceutical safety reporting.
I found this internship through a dedicated process of applying for internships during the academic year. Initially, I learned about Kenvue through university career resources and external job postings. After submitting my application and resume online, I went through several rounds of interviews before receiving my placement. My direct site supervisor was Brian Esterly, a highly experienced professional who guided my daily tasks and learning throughout my internship.
To future SGC scholars searching for a practicum site, I strongly advise beginning the search process early. Start applying well before deadlines and prepare thoroughly by researching each potential organization. Do not fear rejection, and see every interview or application as a valuable learning experience. Equally important is the willingness to put yourself out there, network effectively, and actively build relevant skills outside the classroom to enhance your candidacy. Interviewing and networking are skills that should absolutely be built throughout these years.
At Kenvue, my responsibilities included managing and organizing the aggregate reporting database, an essential system used for monitoring product safety and regulatory compliance. I used data-cleaning software tools to maintain data integrity, detect and correct inaccuracies, and streamline the database’s efficiency. I also regularly updated the department's SharePoint site to ensure effective internal communication and information distribution among various teams. Near the conclusion of my internship, I presented my completed projects and results to colleagues, showcasing my contributions and highlighting improved processes achieved through my work.
This experience absolutely enhanced my scientific knowledge, particularly regarding pharmaceutical safety protocols and regulatory standards. I gained a deep appreciation of the scientific methodologies involved in drug safety evaluation and how meticulous data management supports informed scientific decision-making. Understanding how critical accuracy and precision are in safety reporting showed the real-world implications of scientific concepts taught in my courses and throughout my life.
Beyond enhancing my scientific knowledge, my time at Kenvue provided insights into the connections between science and broader societal elements, such as public health, regulatory environments, and corporate responsibility. Observing how data-driven decisions directly impact consumer safety, public perception, and regulatory compliance deepened my appreciation for the world between science and society.
This internship experience impacted my academic and professional aspirations. Initially, my plans were somewhat broad, but through this exposure to data management and corporate science settings, I am now considering taking additional coursework in data science and analytics. This internship and project helped clarify my intentions with my academics, which I am deeply grateful for.
Professionally, the practicum at Kenvue has significantly shaped my career trajectory. I discovered a genuine interest in working within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, particularly in roles involving data analytics and management. Witnessing firsthand how impactful data can be in decision-making inspired me to pursue career opportunities emphasizing these skills. I am now seriously considering roles in healthcare analytics, pharmaceutical consulting, or corporate strategy after graduation.
Reflecting on the entire practicum experience, I feel grateful for the opportunity to develop personally and professionally. Collaboration, effective communication, and adaptability were essential parts of my internship. These skills, developed through real-world experience, will undoubtedly benefit me throughout my academic journey and into my professional life.
Overall, the practicum experience was invaluable, offering insights, professional clarity, and skill development that exceeded classroom-based learning. I highly encourage future SGC scholars to pursue internships proactively, approach applications with confidence, and embrace the opportunity to explore professional science applications.