Many students around the country struggle to find an internship before graduation to gain “real world” experience in their field of study. Likewise, employers can sometimes struggle to find the perfect internship candidate for their company. The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is breaking the ice by implementing their 2012-2013 Internship Challenge. Focusing on “enhancing the talent pipeline in Massachusetts life sciences companies” in addition to providing a paid hands-on internship for students in the life science fields, the MLSC has provided over 550 interns with 200 internships around the state over the past three years. This paid internship program is sponsored through a grant so employers do not need to pay their intern out of pocket.
Here at TRA360, we have a personal connection to the MLSC Internship Program through past-intern-turned-social-media-manager, Ryan Connors. Check out this short Q+A about the MLSC Internship Challenge and how it helped shape Ryan’s career path.
Q) How did you first hear about the MLSC Internship Challenge? Why did you decide to apply?
Ryan) I first heard about it in one of my classes at U. Mass. I decided to apply as soon as I heard about it because I understood the difficulty of finding quality paid internships and their importance to my future. Many ideal jobs require experience and most recent or soon-to-be grads have none.
Q) What was the procedure like after you applied? Were you able to decide who you interned for? How did you start working with TRA360?
Ryan) I applied and it seemed like my name was pulled out of a hat by TRA360; I’m very fortunate for that. I went in for an interview, liked the people, they liked me, and offered me a job that day. I knew going in that I wanted the job. As soon as I left, I wanted it that much more.
Q) Tell us a little bit about what you accomplished for TRA360 in the first few months of your internship.
Ryan) The first few months were great. I got some real hands-on experience with online marketing and started developing my knack for social media. I had no idea how important the online space was becoming and I felt that it was exactly where I wanted to be. Looking back, I couldn’t be happier with that decision.
Q) Would you recommend the Massachusetts Life Science Internship program? If so, what types of students would the program benefit?
Ryan) Absolutely! Any student can benefit from the program. I’m genuinely surprised that more people don’t know about it. So many qualified students are working less-than-desirable jobs when they could be starting their careers instead. There’s nothing to lose by applying but there is a world to gain.
Have you heard of the MLSC Internship Challenge? Let us know and comment below!