Biotech Intern Newsletter: Spotlight on Savani Nagarkar
Welcome to another edition of the Biotech Intern Newsletter (BIN). In this issue, we’re excited to feature Savani Nagarkar, a former co-op at Moderna, as she takes us behind the scenes of her experience as an co-op in biotech.
Internship Snapshot
Location: On-site, Cambridge
How It Started: Discovered through Moderna's job board and applied directly
A Day in the Life
During her co-op, Savani worked on optimizing and designing a Cytek Aurora Flow Cytometer spleen panel, titrating antibodies to enhance cellular insights for precise experimental outcomes. This hands-on experience gave her invaluable exposure to cutting-edge technology in early drug discovery.
Lessons from the Lab
Biggest Learning: "The significance of effective communication and the value of building a strong professional network." Savani highlights how essential these soft skills are for success in a fast-paced environment like biotech.
Best Advice Received: "Always remain curious and never hesitate to ask questions." This wisdom encouraged Savani to deepen her understanding and confidently tackle challenges.
Wish She Knew Before Starting: "I wish I had been better prepared to embrace and thrive in a fast-paced environment."
Fun Moments and Challenges
Most Fun Experience: Witnessing Moderna’s exciting relocation to a new campus at 325 Binney Street, which offered a unique glimpse into large-scale logistics in biotech.
Biggest Struggle: Initially, Savani felt she wasn’t contributing enough to her team. Over time, she overcame this by embracing her capabilities and building confidence in her abilities.
Key Lessons from Challenges:
Embrace tools and systems (like Outlook and sticky notes) to stay organized.
Build confidence by actively engaging in meetings and sharing insights.
Behind the Scenes
Resources Utilized: Moderna University’s training programs helped Savani maximize her learning.
Who Made it Memorable: Savani credits her team for their unwavering support and collaborative spirit, especially in fostering a welcoming learning environment.
Advice for Future Interns
Start Early: Begin your search early and attend multiple interviews before deciding.
Be Authentic: Keep your LinkedIn profile sharp, and let your authenticity shine during the hiring process.
Focus Areas: Beyond technical skills, develop clear communication and interpersonal skills.
Adaptability is Key: Be ready to adjust to new tools, systems, and workflows.
Rapid-Fire Favorites
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Online Meetings or In-Person Meetings? In-Person Meetings
Mountains or Beaches? Beaches
Savani’s story highlights the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration in shaping a rewarding internship experience. Her journey at Moderna is a testament to how internships can serve as a launchpad for a successful biotech career.
Connect with Savani Nagarkar on LinkedIn for tips and follow-up questions.
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 be part of our growing community.
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