<p>I'm a junior chemistry and biology major at a large state university. The last couple years we've had pharma companies such as Lilly and Merck come to campus and conduct interviews for summer internship positions related directly to biology and chemistry (though mostly chemistry). This year, it seems that the only biochemistry related companies to offer internships are those that are involved in agricultural tools and products, which I'm not really that interested in. There is one company based in my state which conducted interviews around late September/early October last year and was conspicuously absent this year.</p>
<p>We had a job fair a couple weeks ago and I went despite it being geared more towards engineers. I had a long conversation with a rep from a major pharmaceutical company which I thought was fruitful and interesting, but I was told right away that they were not recruiting at the time. At the end of my conversation I was referred to the company's web site, where I was told to submit my resume. Unfortunately, when I went to the site it said there were no internships available.</p>
<p>Is this a down year for pharma internships? I'm a strong student (double major with 3.9 GPA, almost all in science classes, and 2 years of research experience) but should I lower my expectations for an internships and consider one with an agricultural company? I'm not too interested in ag but I guess the work should be similar. Does anyone else here have similar summer goals? If so, what are your plans?</p>
<p>This is probably too late, but if anyone else is interested:</p>
<p>Internships at big pharma companies, as at many famous companies, are very competitive, and… Well, all I can say it that it helps to know someone. A lot of these companies are cutting interns, and I would say it’s definitely gotten a lot more competitive. (However, oddly enough, when you do get one the compensation is better than ever.)</p>
<p>These things really aren’t ever “fair” at all. I got 3 interviews and an offer at a major pharma co (I’m a freshman, one semester of research, really nice GPA… but nothing special imo) simply because I “know someone”. Everyone is trying to push their children, family friends’ children… etc. So that takes up a LOT of spots. eg I’m pretty sure all 3 spots I was shortlisted for were taken up by “insiders”.</p>
<p>This particular company got 200+ apps per position within days of posting the positions, and then they just completely stopped accepting them. …So yes pharma is getting more competitive. The industry’s doing badly, too, it will probably only get worse.</p>
<p>Actually, from my limited knowledge “brand name” schools matter a lot (at least to the people I spoke to). Not to say that being from a brand name school is a guarantee, but you won’t even make the shortlist if you aren’t from a famous school or really really amazing in some other way.</p>
<p>In conclusion, I would suggest seeing if any family friends or such work in whatever industry you want… Otherwise try alumni/professors/anyone you can think of to talk to.</p>