This summer, I am interning at Enterobiotix. They are a pharmaceutical company that specialises in the formulation of drugs that improve gut microbial ecology. Over the next 12 weeks I will be working in the Production, Facilities and the Safety department as a Technical Operations Intern. I have a range of responsibilities which include supporting my line manager in various tasks such as performing a Hazard and operability study (HAZOP), creating technical drawings of the process and delivering a toolbox talk on hand safety.
Just three weeks in, I have learned so much in my new position! I started my internship with tours around the facility from my mentor, Megan. From the tours, I was able to get an in-depth understanding of the drug production process at Enterobiotix. I also got to experience the amazing work culture where people are at the forefront of everything at the company. I had the opportunity to attend the company ‘Away Day’ where employees took part in various team-building exercises at ‘Ocean Vertical’ – an outdoor centre just outside Edinburgh. I chose archery and axe-throwing as my activity, and it was a great experience! I was really glad I was invited as it was a chance to learn more about the company, as well as its employees, in a more casual environment (with some delicious pizza!).
A goal I would love to achieve over my internship is to improve my confidence with networking in a professional setting. I also want to get better at pitching my qualities (ie selling myself) with confidence! A more professional goal I have is to improve my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, I would love to get better at looking at a problem and quickly developing viable solutions to said problem. To achieve this, I have set up a plan which consists of reading more technical documents to broaden my thinking.
Prior to starting the role, I did have a strong case of imposter syndrome! I was a bit nervous and frightened that I wouldn’t be able to deliver at this new position and that I wouldn’t be able to complete the tasks I would be given. However, to overcome this I kept reminding myself that I acquired this internship and was hired. So by that logic, I do possess the qualities and skills needed to succeed in this role!
I am excited and looking forward to the remainder of my time at EBX!
