West had a very advanced internship program where they kept all of the interns engaged and made us feel like we were doing important work instead of just busy work. Specifically, I loved how my manager showed me different aspects of the company such as marketing, accounting, and finance. This really helped me learn what I enjoy and what I do not like to do. In addition, I really loved West's culture and how all of the people there were willing to help whenever and wherever they could.
What I wish was different
Advice
One piece of advice I would share is that while you are at West, you should network with as many people as you possibly can. Everyone at West was very willing to sit down with the interns and answer any questions that you have. It was very beneficial for me to network while I was there because it gave me a variety of insights on different parts of the business, the pharmaceutical industry, and how people got to the role they are at today.
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Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • Scottsdale, AZ
What I liked
It was a great learning experience on manufacturing and medical device regulations. Making money over the summer was a big help as well.
What I wish was different
More technical assignments.
Advice
Be professional and work hard.
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Scientific Communications Intern
May - August 2018 • Exton, PA
What I liked
Interns were able to work together on projects and learn from each other. Day to day job was supplemented with coffee chats and structured intern events
What I wish was different
Advice
Network with as many employees as you can
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Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • Walker, MI
What I liked
I loved the diversity of departments I was able to participate in.
What I wish was different
Advice
Talk to all the employees! They all have very unique and interesting stories.
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Biomedical Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • Exton, PA
What I liked
West Pharmaceutical Services is located in a very wealthy county, with ample housing, dining, and entertainment opportunities nearby. I worked in the Ambassador Internship program, which was a prestigious, interactive experience that allowed me to interact with individuals from nearly every department. My manager allowed me to explore several different projects and career tracks, pushing me to find what I was most passionate about.
What I wish was different
West does not typically make permanent job offers until the October following the summer internship; during this time, if you do not receive a call, you are still encouraged to apply for other jobs. This leaves one in a state of limbo, waiting to hear back, but unsure if they have already been rejected internally. If this process could be more direct, the internship would be ideal.
Advice
If you receive an internship or co-op at West, use your time to network as soon as possible. Many people are eager to meet with you, and it is a great opportunity to learn.
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R&D Engineering Intern
April - August 2016 • Exton, PA
What I liked
The work environment was great; work-life balance is a clear priority here.
What I wish was different
The company is growing quickly and experiencing some pains as a result of that. I'm confident they'll be able to work through that, however.
Advice
Meet as many people as possible. The industry shifts quickly and knowing people is very, very valuable.
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Engineering Intern
May - August 2017 • Scottsdale, AZ
What I liked
I loved that I gained exposure to the biomedical industry and was able to work on real-time projects and make an impact on the company.
What I wish was different
There was no defined timeline from my manager, so I worked until I was done with a project then had to ask for another.
Advice
Keep an open mind and network with as many people as you can.
