Transitioning from school to industry required me to quickly adapt to a more independent and fast-paced environment. Unlike in school, where there is more time to learn each technique, I often had to pick up new methods within a much shorter timeframe. While this was initially challenging, it pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become more adaptable and self-reliant.

Besides practicing highly valued skills like proper documentation and data integrity, I also built my confidence gradually and ability to perform under pressure as I overcame challenges from troubleshooting experiments and mastering new techniques. With guidance of my supervisor, Dr Neil O’Connor, and my colleagues, I also gained a deeper understanding of how analytical techniques are used to evaluate protein structures, post-translational modifications, and other critical quality attributes that ensure the safety, efficacy, and consistency of biosimilar drugs.

My internship at Prestige BioPharma strengthened both my technical and soft skills, provided me with a clearer understanding of biologics characterisation, and gave me valuable insight and a realistic perspective into the role of analytical science in drug development and clinical advancement. I gained hands-on experience, learnt how to adapt when plans did not progress as expected, and developed stronger critical thinking skills. This experience has also helped me better evaluate my interests and future career aspirations within the biopharmaceutical industry.