Student blog

Heba took part in the Online Global Summer Internship in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector.

We connected with medical neuroscience MSci graduate, Heba Nashid, who shared her experience of taking part in an Online Global Summer Internship, through the University's Career Lab programme. 

While studying at Sussex, Heba took on several student-focused roles, including student mentor, course representative and working alongside student experience, supporting both academic and wellbeing needs.

In summer 2023, she completed a 6-week virtual internship in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector with Diagnocine. This led to her current role as a Junior Partnerships Account Manager at Virtual Internships, where she now supports university and organisational partners. 

Heba answered a few of our questions to offer an insight into Online Global Summer Internships for students considering taking part. 

What was the application process like, and do you have a recommendation to help someone become a successful applicant?
The application process was made up of creating a written profile, including my background, what I study and if I have any prior experience. In addition to video applications consisting of answering 3 questions, which were easy to tackle as I got endless attempts to re-record and upload. I would say, to become a successful applicant, always mention any experience you may have prior even if it is volunteering experience, it still matters. Don't feel like any experience is too little or insignificant.   

Did you need to have any previous knowledge or skills in the field before applying?  
During the application, prior experience is encouraged to be mentioned, even if this is irrelevant. VI utilise each skill mentioned to apply it to the placement and interviewing process.   

What was your experience of the scheme like? 
My experience during my internship was enjoyable and smooth. The team at Virtual Internships [who organise the Online Global Summer Internships] go above and beyond in my work.

What was your main takeaway from the scheme?  
The main takeaway for me was the experience that I gained and the way it allowed me to improve on many skills. Adding this into my CV and LinkedIn page really gave me a boost and helped me while I was discussing certain skills during interviews.   

What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?  
Working with a host company in the US meant that there was the challenge of overcoming time zone differences and reaching a time that was suitable for myself and my supervisor to meet. However, my supervisor was extremely helpful and accommodated my time zone too, and we were always able to reach a time to meet that worked for both of us. This challenge actually allowed for us to build a rapport as we both felt how accommodating and mindful we were towards each other’s working hours.  

What skills have you learned? How do you think the scheme has helped you going forward?  
It allowed me to learn professional communication skills, time management and task prioritization and proficiency and tech knowledge. This has helped me by allowing me to have these skills for future opportunities and utilise and improve on them for other job roles I take on.   

As a graduate, you are now working for Virtual Internships! Can you tell us a little about what your current work involves, and what you enjoy about it?
My current role as a Junior Partnerships Account Manager means building a relationship and trust with clients, and I have been able to do this by utilizing all my previous experience during my part time role and the internship I did.  

What advice would you give to students who are interested in a similar role e.g. how can our current students build a career in your sector; what are the starter roles?
Doing part time work at the University really helped me with reaching the role I am currently in. Take any opportunities you can towards an internship or a part time role; it doesn’t have to be in the exact field you aspire to work in, but at least it means you will learn and improve your skills which will be needed in the future role you are looking towards. This will help you a lot in the long-term search for jobs.  

What would they say to a student who is unsure about taking part in the scheme?  
I would say definitely go for it, as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to do an internship and gain real-world experience with a company anywhere in the world without having to think about how you can be there in person. It is also a great addition to your CV and work experience.   

Gain work experience with Career Lab 
Career Lab is an award-winning programme open to all Sussex taught students. It is a series of opportunities designed to develop your skills, experience, connections and confidence throughout your time at Sussex. 

Opportunities include Online Global Summer Internships, UK Summer Internships, and the Student Consultancy Programme. 

Career Lab programmes take place primarily in the Spring term. Find out more about when programmes will be advertised and take place.

Learn more about Career Lab and what you can take part in based on your year of study. 

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