Mia Vangsal is a master student at Health Economics, Policy and Managment at the University of Oslo. Students at the master programme are offered to do the internship course HMAN4230 in their second or third semester. The course is offered both fall and spring semester.
Vangsal had her internship at the global biopharmaceutical company BMS.
– I have learned a great deal about BMS itself and the pharmaceutical industry, which has expanded my knowledge beyond the theoretical aspects of my studies, Vangsal says.
How was the application process?
– The application process was smooth and well-structured. I submitted my cover letter and CV by the deadline, and soon after, I was invited for an interview with two team members from BMS. During the interview, they provided valuable insights into their work and the projects. It was a great opportunity to discuss my interest in the position and how my background aligned with their needs. Shortly after the interview, I was delighted to receive an offer for the internship.
What does a regular day at work look like for you?
– A typical day at BMS is a great balance of independent and collaborative work. We are fortunate to be four interns at BMS this semester, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. We’re split into two teams, each working on separate projects, but we sit together, creating a friendly and supportive environment where we can easily share ideas and learn from each other.
Regular team meetings help us stay updated and gain a broader understanding of both projects. It’s also been exciting to get introduced to different roles within the company, providing valuable insights into how BMS operates.
Additionally, we’ve had the chance to network and connect with new people, which has been a great opportunity for professional growth. We work from the office twice a week, with flexibility to work from home when needed.
How are you using what you have learned at UiO in your internship?
– During my internship at BMS, I've been working on tasks directly aligned with my studies, which has been really exciting. My main focus has been mapping the incentive structures a pharmaceutical product faces from development to financing. This task ties perfectly with my specialization in economic evaluation, allowing me to apply concepts from my studies at the University of Oslo (UiO), especially in economic and policy analysis of drug development.
A memorable moment was during our introduction at BMS, where they covered topics we were about to study in an upcoming course. The next day, our first lecture covered the same concepts, which was a rewarding experience and reinforced the connection between my academic studies and my practical work at BMS.
What have you learned so far during your internship?
– During my internship at BMS, I’ve gained valuable insights into economic evaluation and healthcare policy, particularly in mapping the incentive structures impacting pharmaceutical products from development to financing.
Additionally, working closely with colleagues from different departments has deepened my understanding of how multidisciplinary teams contribute to healthcare initiatives.
How has your integration as an intern into the workplace been so far?
– My integration into the workplace at BMS has been great. From the start, the team was welcoming and supportive, which made it easy to feel at ease and get up to speed quickly. We work both independently and together, sharing ideas and learning from each other. Regular team meetings and introductions to different roles have also given me a deeper understanding of how BMS operates. The positive and collaborative environment has made my transition into the organization smooth and enjoyable.
What would you say to other students considering doing an internship?
– I highly recommend other students to pursue an internship. It's a great way to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting and gain valuable experience. You'll develop practical skills, build connections, and get a firsthand look at how companies operate. My advice is to dive in, be proactive, and embrace the opportunity to challenge yourself and grow both professionally and personally.