Why Interns Boomerang: Insights From Those Who Came Back

Takeda stood out to Biomedical Engineering major, Alexis Wilmot, when she sought out an internship in the medical industry. The concept of having a combination product of a drug and device together piqued Alexis’s interest in pharmaceuticals. But what drew Alexis here specifically, is our research into HAE. “When I was young, there were very few companies that had interest in this disease because it’s rare and wasn't considered profitable to put research into it,” says Alexis, “but Takeda is one of the companies that does.”

Last year, Alexis accepted a role in Data Digital & Technology (DD&T) working on virtual workspaces, despite aspiring to work in Research and Development (R&D). “My manager gave me time to come to Lexington to talk to people within R&D, because he knew that was my mission,” says Alexis. Committed to her dream path, Alexis studied the R&D business unit directory. “I made a personal connection as to why I was interested in the field when I reached out to eight people,” says Alexis, “and then contacted them again in the fall.” Through maintaining an active network, Alexis secured her current position developing new devices for the medicines that Takeda has. “I surprised myself with my willingness to network – as someone who usually stays in my zone –” says Alexis, “and that was rewarding in the end, because the more connections you make, the more tied to the area you feel.”

Having heard great things about Takeda’s Quality department from a family friend, Biology major, Sophia applied. Sophia’s impression of intern duties spanned delivering coffee to organizing files; this was not the case at Takeda. “Right off the bat, I was swept into my role contributing to the larger group,” says Sophia, “so it’s been immersive and stimulating.” Sophia’s knowledge during her time in Clinical Quality Audit Operations (CQA) came from her team and training. “Everyone made sure I was developing,” says Sophia, “and I felt three months wasn’t enough, so I came back.’”

Inspired to expand her knowledge, Sophia picked up a minor in Business and has been able to apply those skills to her work in project management on the Quality Systems Compliance (QCS) team. “I clicked with the corporate environment in a way that I didn’t expect to,” says Sophia, “and I found the crossovers between Business and Biology interesting.” The two teams that Sophia has sat on within the Research and Development (R&D) branch are closely affiliated, allowing her to apply her learnings from last year to this year. “My team last summer helped me gain the confidence to speak up for what I want to learn,” says Sophia, “so this year I’ve had this extra confidence boost.”

Not only has Takeda demystified the “internship experience,” it has influenced Sophia’s career plans. When envisioning life after school, Sophia was leaning towards research. After finding Takeda’s environment to be welcoming and entry-level friendly, Sophia is now considering going into industry upon graduating, followed by research down the road. “I had a plan to work for a few years after graduation and then go to graduate school,” says Sophia, “but my Takeda internship experience solidified that idea.”