I first heard of Ultragenyx when Arjun Natesan, a member of the company’s translational research team, and John Fikes, a member of the company’s program leadership team, visited UC Davis Graduate School of Management as part of the “Biotech Immersion” lecture series. Their presentation introduced me to a company dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of people with ultra rare diseases.

As a pathologist by training, I am acutely aware of the burden placed on families impacted by rare diseases due to the diagnostic odyssey that they often face and the lack of treatments for most of the diseases. This understanding motivated me to pursue an internship at Ultragenyx where I felt my expertise could truly make a difference.

In celebration of National Intern Day, a few of my fellow interns and I reflect on our experiences at the company and what we think every future intern should know before their first day on the job.

It takes constant collaboration to bring new treatments to patients.

As part of Ultragenyx’s Global Commercial team, I am involved in market analysis, demand assessment, launch planning, as well as brand messaging for key stakeholders both within and outside of the company. Having held a prior internship position elsewhere, I had preconceived notions about what my job responsibilities would be – but having been here close to five weeks now, I can say that I have never felt like an intern at Ultragenyx. The work I do is crucial and mission critical to the launch of future therapies and that is a huge motivator for me.

Jacob Shafik, a student at Stanford University who is interning with Ultragenyx’s Clinical Operations team shared, “From preclinical research to clinical trials, I saw how each phase differs and focuses on safety and efficacy. Witnessing the collaboration between the Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Data Management, Biostatistics, and Medical Writing teams has given me a deep appreciation for the dedication and teamwork needed to bring a new therapy to patients. It is inspiring to see how committed everyone is to improving patients’ lives, and how that commitment shapes the company culture and drives innovation.”

Mihee Park, a student at Middlesex Community College who is interning with the Gene Therapy Manufacturing team in Bedford, Mass., added, “Ultragenyx has a highly collaborative culture. Employees from different departments partner frequently on projects, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. My time here has broadened my understanding of biotech and made the workplace more enjoyable and fulfilling.”

Our real-world experience will help refine our future path.

Having hands-on experience at Ultragenyx is helping each of us refine what we want to do next.
Jenny Hu, a pharmacy student at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), who is interning with the Global Medical Information team, said her experience has “deepened my understanding when it comes to creating therapies for rare and ultrarare diseases compared to more common diseases. It has pushed me to research more about what therapeutic areas and disease states I want to focus on.”

Kalii Caldwell, a student at the University of San Francisco studying for a Master’s degree in biotechnology who is interning with the Global Regulatory Operations team, noted that, “This internship has given me a window of perspective as to how the industry functions and how employees use the skills that I have learned in school. Experiencing the difference between attaining and applying knowledge has been valuable as I prepare for the transition from being primarily classroom-based to being a member of the workforce.”

Future biotech interns should take advantage of every opportunity.

Our collective experience is that internships are what you make them, so raise your hand and be proactive to get the most out of your time.

Mihee recommends that future interns “embrace every hands-on learning opportunity. This experience has been incredibly enriching. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek mentorship from experienced colleagues.”
“Keep an open mind and meet as many people as you can within your internship to make the most out of it,” revealed Jenny.

Kalii was surprised to learn how many different roles there are within a biotech company, sharing that there is “something for everyone.”
Jacob agreed, saying, “Dip your feet in many different sectors. You’ll find something that interests you because biotech has it all.”

Interning at Ultragenyx has been an incredible journey for me. The inspiring team and its dedication to patient care and the opportunity to apply both my medical and business knowledge make it an exceptional place to grow and make a meaningful contribution. I am proud to be part of an organization that truly prioritizes the well-being of patients and continually pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in biotechnology.

To learn more about Ultragenyx’s emerging talent programs, visit: https://live.ultragenyx.com/join-our-team/internships-co-ops-postdoctoral-programs/.