Graduate profile – Layla
Name: Layla Thomas
Degree: Medical Sciences (BSc)
University: University of Leeds
Novartis graduate internship: Junior Marketing Coordinator, Oncology
Why did you apply for a graduate internship at Novartis?
I applied for the graduate internship at Novartis a few months after graduating from University. I decided to apply in order to gain experience within the pharmaceutical industry, as I knew very little back then. I had researched a number of pharmaceutical companies and decided that Novartis’s mission to reimagine medicine and discover new ways to improve and extend people’s lives aligned to my core beliefs.
What were the highlights of your internship?
During my 18-month long internship, I learnt a tremendous amount and was able to work on a new indication launch. Seeing a medicine become a new treatment option for cancer patients who really needed it was incredible. I was in awe of the amount of hard work, collaboration and determination that it takes for a medicine to become available on the NHS. There were many highlights during my internship but one of the main ones was meeting and working with lots of people; people from different backgrounds, countries, educations, with varying professional experience. What really struck me was the strong sense of culture and diversity within the company. I love meeting and talking to new people so for me it was really exciting. I have made lasting friendships with other interns who I keep in close contact with and it is amazing to watch each other grow as we navigate through new roles in the industry and further our careers.
What advice can you give to aspiring graduates who may be interested in applying for a Novartis graduate internship?
If you are reading this as a graduate and I could give one piece of advice to you, it would be to just do it! Apply. There is nothing to lose, only experience to gain. If you hope to work for a company that values personal development, associate well-being and provides opportunities then Novartis is the right company for you. After completing my internship, I worked in a sales role relocating to a different part of the UK. More recently, I have moved back into a marketing role with greater responsibility. I am excited about my future as a Novartis associate.
UK | January 2021 | 103350