- About Pfizer
- Official Pfizer Internship Portal
- Types of Internships Available
- Strategies to Win this Pfizer Internship
- Resume Writing Tips for Pfizer
- General eligibility criteria
- Understanding Internship Compensation: Are Internships Paid?
- Top 3 Interview Preparation Questions & Sample Answers
About Pfizer
Pfizer Inc. is a leading global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving health through the discovery and development of innovative medicines and vaccines. The company operates in various therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiology, immunology, and infectious diseases, aiming to deliver life-changing treatments to patients worldwide. As an intern at Pfizer, you can expect to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to the company’s goals while gaining valuable experience in a collaborative and inclusive work environment. The Pfizer Futures internship program offers students the opportunity to work for 10-12 weeks during the summer, allowing them to develop their skills and build professional relationships within the industry. Interns are encouraged to bring their unique perspectives and experiences, fostering a culture of diversity and innovation at Pfizer
Official Pfizer Internship Portal
You can explore Pfizer internship opportunities through the following links:
- Primary Pfizer Portal – Here
- Breakthrough Fellowship Program (5 part program starting senior year of undergraduate degree) – Here
- Digital Rotation Program – Here
- MBA Summer Associate Program – Here
- R&D Rotational Program – Here
- Postdoctoral Program – Here
Types of Internships Available
Pfizer offers a variety of internships designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Available roles change depending on business needs so always check the official portals for openings. Here are some of the key types of internships:
1. Research and Development Internship
Interns in this program work alongside scientists and professionals to contribute to the development of breakthrough therapies and vaccines. Responsibilities may include laboratory work, data analysis, and supporting ongoing research projects, providing a comprehensive understanding of drug development processes.
2. People Experience Internship
This internship focuses on enhancing Pfizer’s workplace culture and employee experience. Interns will engage in projects that support diversity and inclusion initiatives, employee engagement strategies, and organizational development, allowing them to contribute to a meaningful workplace environment.
3. Commercial Internship
Interns in the commercial division assist in bridging the gap between Pfizer’s innovative medicines and the healthcare community. They may work on market research, sales strategies, and marketing campaigns, gaining insights into how Pfizer interacts with healthcare providers and patients.
4. Digital Internship
This internship emphasizes Pfizer’s digital transformation efforts. Interns will work on projects involving artificial intelligence, data science, software engineering, and cybersecurity, equipping them with skills relevant to the rapidly evolving tech landscape within the pharmaceutical industry.
5. Summer Law Internship
Targeted at law students, this program provides exposure to legal practices within a corporate environment. Interns assist with legal research, compliance issues, and contract reviews, gaining valuable experience in corporate law as it pertains to the pharmaceutical sector.
These internships typically last 10-12 weeks during the summer and are structured to foster professional development through mentorship and real-world project involvement.
Strategies to Win this Pfizer Internship
- Research Pfizer thoroughly
- Understand Pfizer’s mission, current projects, and recent developments. For example, familiarize yourself with Pfizer’s latest breakthroughs in vaccine technology or ongoing clinical trials.
- Showcase innovation
- Demonstrate your ability to think creatively and solve problems. Highlight a project where you developed an innovative solution to a complex issue in your field of study.
- Develop relevant skills
- Focus on acquiring skills valued by Pfizer, such as data analysis, project management, or specific laboratory techniques. For instance, take an online course in bioinformatics to enhance your technical skills for a Pfizer internship.
- Network strategically
- Connect with current Pfizer employees or alumni from your school who work at Pfizer. Attend industry events or webinars where Pfizer representatives might be present to learn more about potential internship opportunities.
- Highlight leadership experience
- Showcase any leadership roles you’ve held, even in extracurricular activities. Describe how you led a team to achieve a specific goal or improved a process in a student organization.
- Demonstrate passion for healthcare
- Show your commitment to improving global health through volunteer work, research projects, or relevant coursework. For example, discuss your involvement in a public health initiative related to Pfizer’s areas of focus.
- Stay informed about industry trends
- Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the pharmaceutical industry and Pfizer’s areas of focus. Mention relevant industry trends during your Pfizer internship interview to show our genuine interest and knowledge.
- Apply early
- Submit your Pfizer internship application as soon as the application window opens. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and ensures your application is reviewed before positions are filled.
- Tailor your resume
- Craft a resume specifically for the Pfizer internship, highlighting relevant experiences, skills, and achievements that align with the role. For example, if applying for a research internship, emphasize any lab experience or coursework directly related to Pfizer’s research areas.
Resume Writing Tips for Pfizer
- Highlight relevant technical skills and laboratory experience
- Emphasize any lab techniques, assays, or equipment you’re familiar with that align with Pfizer’s research areas. For example: “Conducted PCR analysis and gel electrophoresis to study gene expression in cancer cells during a summer research project, demonstrating proficiency in techniques relevant to Pfizer’s oncology research initiatives.”
- Showcase innovation and problem-solving abilities
- Describe projects or experiences where you developed creative solutions, particularly in healthcare or pharmaceutical contexts. For instance: “Led a team in designing a novel drug delivery system for a bioengineering class project, resulting in a prototype that improved targeted release by 30%. This experience reflects Pfizer’s commitment to innovative drug development.”
- Emphasize leadership and teamwork in a scientific setting
- Highlight experiences where you’ve collaborated on research projects or led teams in relevant academic or extracurricular activities. Example: “Served as team leader for a collaborative research project studying vaccine efficacy, coordinating efforts of five students and presenting findings at a university symposium. This experience aligns with Pfizer’s emphasis on teamwork in vaccine development.”
General eligibility criteria
Pfizer internships come with specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for the program. Here are the general requirements:
| Requirement Type | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Applicants must be at least 18 years old prior to the scheduled start date of the internship. |
| Work Authorization | Candidates must be immediately authorized to work in the U.S. Pfizer does not support applicants who require employer-sponsored visas now or in the future. |
| Enrollment | Interns must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and plan to continue their studies immediately following the internship. |
| GPA | A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is typically required as of the most recently completed semester. |
| Availability | Interns should be able to commute to a Pfizer site at least four days a week during the internship period. |
Please note that these requirements can change, so it is essential to refer back to the original internship posting for the most accurate and updated details.
Understanding Internship Compensation: Are Internships Paid?
Pfizer internships are paid positions. The pay rate for these internships typically ranges from $26 to $29 per hour, depending on various factors such as skills, experience, and educational background. Additionally, interns may be eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal and state requirements.
It’s important to note that details regarding compensation and internship specifics can change. Therefore, always check the internship listing for the most accurate information and feel free to ask questions during the recruitment process to clarify any uncertainties.
Top 3 Interview Preparation Questions & Sample Answers
1. Tell me about a time when you faced a significant challenge at work or school. How did you handle it?
Sample Response:
“In my last semester at university, I was part of a group project that required extensive research and collaboration. Midway through the project, two team members had to drop out due to personal reasons, leaving us short-staffed. To address this challenge, I organized a meeting to redistribute tasks based on each member’s strengths and availability. I also set up regular check-ins to ensure everyone was on track and felt supported. Ultimately, we completed the project on time and received positive feedback from our professor for our teamwork and adaptability.”
2. Why do you want to work for Pfizer?
Sample Response:
“I am drawn to Pfizer because of its commitment to innovation and improving patient outcomes globally. I have always admired how Pfizer prioritizes research and development to bring life-saving medications to market. Additionally, I appreciate the company’s focus on employee development and diversity, which aligns with my values of collaboration and continuous learning. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that have a direct impact on public health.”
3. Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting priorities. How did you ensure everything was completed on time?
Sample Response:
“In my previous internship, I was tasked with managing multiple projects simultaneously, each with tight deadlines. To handle this, I prioritized tasks based on urgency and importance using a project management tool. I communicated openly with my supervisor about my workload and sought guidance on prioritization when necessary. By breaking down each project into smaller tasks and setting mini-deadlines for myself, I was able to stay organized and complete all projects on time without compromising quality.”
These questions are designed to evaluate your problem-solving abilities, motivation for joining Pfizer, and capacity to manage multiple responsibilities effectively. Remember that responses should be tailored to reflect your personal experiences while showcasing your skills relevant to the role.