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An Impact That Endures: Priyal Gupta’s Co-op Experience at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Embodies What Every Internship Should Be About




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Alnylam is a leading independent biopharmaceutical company and the pioneer in RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics – a revolutionary approach to treating diseases which “silences” the genes that cause or contribute to them.
Alnylam is a leading independent biopharmaceutical company and the pioneer in RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics – a revolutionary approach to treating diseases which “silences” the genes that cause or contribute to them.

Biotech Intern Newsletter: Spotlight on Priyal Gupta


Welcome to this edition of the Biotech Intern Newsletter. In this feature, we spotlight Priyal Gupta, whose hybrid internship at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals offers an inspiring look into the world of Regulatory Affairs. Her story reflects the importance of curiosity, initiative, and the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone early in one’s career.


Internship Snapshot

Company: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

Location: Hybrid

How It Started: “I found out about the opportunity through

NU Works. Joining Alnylam as a Regulatory Affairs CMC Co-Op gave me the chance to contribute to Module 3 eCTD content planning for IND, CTA, NDA, and MAA submissions. I also conducted regulatory research and assisted in drafting health authority response strategies.”


A Day in the Life

As part of the Regulatory Affairs team, Priyal gained valuable insight into the complex process of ensuring that biopharmaceutical products meet global standards. Her work contributed directly to submission materials that enable patient access to innovative therapies.

“The experience helped me understand how collaboration, precision, and adaptability are key to regulatory success,” Priyal shared.


Lessons from the Lab

Biggest Learning: “The ability to multitask and learn fast was the most important skill I developed during my internship.”


Best Advice Received: “Getting out of your comfort zone early in your career paves the way for greater success.”


Wish I Had Known: “I wish I had known how important it is to do more than what is expected of an average intern. Taking initiative early makes a lasting difference.”


Wish I Had Learned: “I would have benefited from taking greater initiative to get hands-on exposure to diverse aspects of Regulatory Affairs, from labeling and strategy to operations and combination products.”


Fun Moments and Growth

Most Fun Experience: “Company outings and engaging with the team outside a formal setting were some of the most enjoyable moments. They helped me build stronger professional relationships and appreciate the culture at Alnylam.”


Biggest Struggle: “As the youngest member of the team, I was initially hesitant to challenge others, but I soon learned that there is always a respectful way to speak up. Being visible and vocal leaves a stronger, positive impression.”


Short Story of Growth: “For my final project, I worked on a broad topic. What really helped was considering different perspectives from my team and keeping an open mind to integrate them. This experience taught me how collaboration and openness can elevate the quality of work.”


Behind the Scenes

Who Made It Memorable: “My manager, Lori Dinh, inspired me with her ability to balance work and life gracefully. I’m also thankful to the RA CMC team for staying in touch after my co-op and continuing to guide my career."


Resource I Wish I Used More: “Looking back, I feel I could have benefited from engaging more with RAPS initiatives and using them to grow my network.”


Advice for Future Interns

Words of Wisdom: “Interviews leave recruiters with lasting impressions, so focus on fluency in your field’s language and subject matter. Equally, building rapport through regular communication with teammates ensures you are seen as an integral part of the team.”


What Interns Should Focus On: “Developing the niche skill that is most appreciated within the role.”


Additional Advice: “Do not be afraid to apply to your dream companies. They may seem far-fetched, but they are closer than you imagine.”


Rapid Fire

Coffee or Tea: Coffee

Meetings: In-person meetings

Mountains or Beaches: Beaches


Closing Thoughts

Priyal Gupta’s experience at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals highlights how stepping outside your comfort zone, developing agility in fast-paced environments, and maintaining professionalism can accelerate early career growth. Her story illustrates that success in biotech is not only about technical knowledge but also about communication, curiosity, and initiative.


Her advice to future interns is simple yet powerful: be proactive, speak up respectfully, and never underestimate the impact of taking initiative early on.


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 Priyal Gupta on LinkedIn to follow her journey in biotech.




Join the Spotlight

Do you have a story that can inspire the next generation of biotech professionals? Submit your experience to the Biotech Intern Newsletter today.







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