Biotech Intern Newsletter: Spotlight on Paola Pimentel
Welcome to this edition of the Biotech Intern Newsletter! Today, we are excited to feature Paola Pimentel, whose internship at Solid Biosciences offers valuable insights into the world of upstream process development and biotech internships. Paola’s story emphasizes the importance of networking, soft skills, and perseverance in navigating both professional and academic challenges.
Internship Snapshot
Company: Solid Biosciences
Location: On-site, Charlestown MA
How It Started: Found through Northeastern University
A Day in the Life
During her internship, Paola worked with the upstream process development team to optimize cell culture media. This hands-on role provided her with key insights into biotech processes while helping her fine-tune her technical skills. Paola’s experience allowed her to grow not only as a scientist but also as a team player, strengthening her understanding of both the science and interpersonal skills essential in the field.
Lessons from the Lab
Biggest Learning
Paola reflects on the importance of both intelligence and soft skills in the biotech world. She shares, “The most important thing I learned during my internship is that networking and asking for help are just as important as being smart.” These lessons proved invaluable in navigating both her day-to-day tasks and long-term career goals.
Best Advice Received
A pivotal piece of advice that Paola received during her internship came from her supervisor, who shared: “Medicine is a practice, not a science, and that I should treat it as such because it requires empathy and other soft skills many do not have.” This perspective shaped Paola's approach to her work and her future aspirations in the medical field.
Wish I Knew Before Starting
Before starting her internship, Paola wished she had known “how to calculate fluxes.” This technical knowledge would have helped her get up to speed faster during the hands-on portions of her internship.
Wish I Had Learned
Paola also wished she had learned how to work with large-scale bioreactors. This is an area she hopes to gain more experience in as she continues her academic and professional journey.
Fun Moments and Challenges
Most Fun Experience
The most enjoyable experience of Paola’s internship was attending the company’s Halloween party. This event helped her bond with colleagues and provided a fun break from the hard work in the lab.
Biggest Struggle
Paola's biggest struggle came early in her internship when she had to balance studying for the MCAT while working 40 hours a week. She explains, “I spent the first month of my internship studying for the MCAT. I had to learn how to study for an exam while working 40 hours a week; a skill I will have to use during residency and medical school.” This experience taught her critical time management and stress-management skills that will benefit her throughout her career.
Behind the Scenes
Resources Utilized
Paola made a point to take advantage of the resources available to her, ensuring that she learned as much as possible from her experience. She shares, “I tried my best to take advantage of all my resources, and I continued to do so.”
Who Made It Memorable?
Paola credits her success to her supervisor, who was always there to push for her ideas to be heard and helped her as she balanced work and study. “My supervisor always pushed for my ideas to be heard, and helped me when studying for the MCAT,” Paola says.
Advice for Future Interns
Be Social: “Intelligence isn’t everything. You have to be social and willing to work with others.”
Focus on Skills and Networking: “Learning as many skills and getting to know as many people as possible is key.”
Paola’s advice emphasizes the importance of both technical skills and building strong professional relationships.
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
In a short story, Paola highlights her college journey, where she juggled difficult STEM courses, research, a job, and responsibilities on the chemistry club board—all while navigating the medical school application process. Despite doubts from some advisors, Paola persevered and now attends her top-choice medical school. Her story exemplifies how resilience and strong organizational skills can help overcome even the most daunting challenges.
“Some advisors doubted me, saying my major was too difficult and that I wasn’t involved in enough extracurriculars to make it to medical school. But I also had professors who encouraged me to trust in myself and push forward. Now, I’m attending my top-choice medical school—not just because of hard work, but because of my perseverance.”
Rapid-Fire Favorites
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Online Meetings or In-Person Meetings? In-Person Meetings
Mountains or Beaches? Beaches
Closing Thoughts
Paola’s internship at Solid Biosciences showcases the importance of building soft skills, managing time effectively, and staying curious in the face of challenges. Her story is an inspiring example of how overcoming difficulties can lead to both personal and professional growth.
Do you have a story that can inspire the next generation of biotech professionals? Submit your experience to the Biotech Intern Newsletter today!
Connect with Paola Pimentel on LinkedIn for more insights and advice.
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