Hello there! I’m interested in a career in Medical Writing, so I’ve been searching job listings to see what kind of experience and qualifications such jobs require. I’ve googled medical writing internships in the area, but nothing’s come up so far. Therefore, I was wondering if e-mailing employers with listings for medical writers asking if they have an internship available or if they’d like an intern was a good idea. I’d assume that if they do have a formal internship or an internship available, it’d be listed or made public somehow. However, I’d really like some experience, so would e-mailing employers be advised, or would it be a long shot and/or frowned upon?
And if it’s not advised, does anyone have any recommendations on how I can get experience or become a competitive applicant for medical writing jobs? I’m currently in the process of getting my bachelor’s in a science field.
I would make your search less specific by asking about part time or part year medical writing opportunities. Not every relevant job experience is called an Internship. Employers might offer paid or unpaid job opportunities that they do not call Internships.
Emailing cold to an employer is fine as long as you don’t expect a response, and won’t be upset if there is no response.
Might it be wise to call HR at various potential employers instead? You’ll get some kind of answer right away hopefully, maybe a name to contact or a “no, we don’t hire college students”.
I suggest putting together a “script” that you would use, starting with that you are calling to inquire if they hire college students part-time or for internships. Then you can say a brief blurb about your relevant experience if they don’t shut you down.
Shockingly, sometimes using a phone is a better bet than an email.
You also could ask your college’s career services/co-op/internship folks if they could help you land something. They might have contacts.
Also - if you’d take an unpaid internship, that would get you experience. Smaller companies might consider it.
@rhandco, I expected emailing cold to an employer would be a long shot, and would be surprised if I received a reply. I’d imagine most would just ignore me, so I think I’ll give calling HR a try. Thank you for your reply and advice!