Examples on How to Respond Long Answer Questions of Form 5 (Internship Travel Grant)
Q 1. What was the purpose of your attendance at the internship, preceptorship, or a WSU intercampus location? In your statement, inform the reader of the significance of your internship, why you attend preceptorship program, or why your intercampus travel was necessary.
I did an internship in ‘X’ Pharmaceutical Company which is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies, and in my field "Computational Biology", it is one the most important companies. The internship was a great way to apply my knowledge in computational biology to real-world experience. Learning is one thing, but taking those skills into the workforce and applying them is a great way to explore different career paths and specializations that suit individual interests. This internship gave me experience in the career field I want to pursue. It also prepared me for what to expect in my field and increases confidence in my future work.
Having an internship benefited me in the working environment, and it also built my professional network. During my internship I worked on cancer cells data which helped to learn a lot about the immune-oncology and the experience encouraged me to continue my work in health field.
Also, my skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving are all utilized. I learnt all about workplace culture, employee relations, and leadership structure, which should help me onboard in my first professional job with more ease than if I haven’t had professional experience. When I was interning to learn skills, I had the chance to professionally observe others in their job role to learn the ins and outs of different positions.
Q 2. Please explain how this experience facilitated your professional development.
Under the guidance of the Project Managers, I will plan and execute specific research and development activities; for microwave heating of breaded meat and rheological properties measurements of pizza and dough products. In projects, I will work with a high degree of hands-on attitude, independence, and innovation. Receive training in the pilot plant equipment, culinary processes, and analytical methods. Optimize and conduct analytical tests (pizza and dough rheology test, texture analysis, and infrared temperature measurements). Manage sampling plans, ship samples to external labs, ensure analyses are completed on time, collect results, and communicate in the form of reports. Additionally, I will get the opportunity to learn from highly experienced professionals. For example, three of the R&D members (my managers) have about 20 years of work experience. Their hands-on experience in microwave heating, thermal processing, cereal processing, and analytical chemistry will help me to grow proficient skills. Besides, managing the research plans will help me to perfect my time management, critical thinking, project planning, and communication skills.
Q 4. Please explain how this experience facilitated your personal development.
My internship experience was fulfilled at X Pharmaceuticals. This company works in the pharma industry. The internship consisted of building tools, and developing pipelines for cancer cell researches. My internship provided me experience to work both online, and in-person. I was able to develop a workflow during my internship for “estimation of post-translational proteasomal splicing in the immunopeptidome" which resulted in an internal patent and a paper submission. Also, during my internship I learnt valuable lessons such as teamwork, problem solving skills, work ethics, adaptability skills, communication skills, responsibility, and time management.
Q 5. How does your attendance at the internship, preceptorship, or other campus increase the visibility and reputation of WSU at large?
I am the only intern working as a junior scientist, in a one-year-long research project which is led by three senior research scientists. Being part of this big company’s project as the only intern will have a positive impact on the reputation of our university - WSU. In the welcoming program that includes the management, researchers, and other staff I have introduced myself, our department (X Engineering) and WSU at large. Also presented some WSU log mugs as a gift. So far, most of the employees at Nestle company have become aware of WSU and the research we are conducting related to microwave and thermal food processing. Furthermore, in reporting and presenting the research results for the management and researchers, I will keep representing WSU as an ambassador.