Another Inspiring Internship Story: Yash Shah Reflects on His Time at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and Credits His Manager for a Truly Memorable Experience

Biotech Intern Newsletter: Spotlight on Yash Chirag Shah

Welcome to another edition of the Biotech Intern Newsletter (BIN)! In this issue, we’re excited to feature Yash Chirag Shah, a recent co-op at Bristol Myers Squibb, who shares his journey of curiosity, challenges, and growth while at BMS.

Internship Snapshot

• Company: Bristol Myers Squibb

• Location: On-site

• How It Started: Discovered through the company website

A Day in the Life

During his internship, Yash focused on the genetic characterization of manufacturing cell banks. This hands-on experience gave him the opportunity to master molecular techniques and contribute to critical processes in cell-based manufacturing.

Lessons from the Lab

• Biggest Learning: "Effective communication and molecular techniques for genetic characterization" were the cornerstone of Yash’s growth.

• Best Advice Received: "Science thrives on failure; each failure paves the way to new discoveries."

• Wish I Knew Before Starting: How to better prepare for a high-stakes, fast-paced environment and navigate unexpected challenges.

• Wish I Had Learned: More techniques to streamline experiments and manage time effectively.

Fun Moments and Challenges

• Most Fun Experience: Participating in team outings, co-op events, and a poster session that allowed him to showcase his work and network with professionals.

• Biggest Struggle: Overcoming self-doubt during moments of failure. Yash credits his manager, Surbhi Verma, for always believing in him, even during tough times, which helped him regain confidence and stay motivated.

• Key Lessons from Challenges:

  • Stay persistent and use setbacks as learning opportunities.

  • Develop organizational strategies to manage tasks effectively.

Behind the Scenes

• Resources Utilized: While many resources were available, Yash highlights the importance of mentorship in shaping his success.

• Who Made it Memorable: "To my manager, Surbhi Verma: thank you for always believing in me, even during times of failure."

Advice for Future Interns

• Start Early: Be relentless in applying for positions; persistence is key.

• Take Risks: Internships are for learning, so don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone.

• Focus on Career Goals: Apply for positions aligned with the fields you’re passionate about pursuing.

• Networking and Communication: "Networking and effective communication are essential to success."

Rapid-Fire Favorites

• Coffee or Tea? Coffee

• Online Meetings or In-Person Meetings? In-Person Meetings

• Mountains or Beaches? Beaches

Closing Thoughts

Yash’s story is another powerful reminder that persistence, adaptability, and mentorship are critical to thriving in the biotech world. His time at Bristol Myers Squibb highlights how embracing challenges and failures can lead to incredible growth and lasting success.

Ready to Share Your Story?

Have you recently completed an internship and want to inspire fellow interns? Submit your entry to the Biotech Intern Newsletter today and join our growing community!

Connect with Yash Shah on LinkedIn for tips and follow-up questions.