Why Pursue a Three-Month Internship?
Internships can be transformative. I had a taste of that during my placement between 2022-2023, where I worked in a medical device company on early-stage research and development (R&D), focusing on formulation. That experience solidified my passion for research, as I thrived working in a team, learning the intricacies of the scientific process, and gaining insights into my strengths and areas for growth. It also gave me a clearer sense of direction regarding my future career path, which, until then, had been somewhat uncertain.
However, entering the world of research is not always straightforward—especially as an undergraduate, where opportunities are scarce if you don’t know where to look. Luckily, I found the Broadening Horizons in the Chemical Sciences program, a fantastic initiative run by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). As part of this program, I applied for the Oxford Nanopore Technologies internship. The company's cutting-edge biotech work immediately captured my interest. Their goal is ambitious: enabling the analysis of "anything, by anyone, anywhere" with ground breaking technology that reads native DNA without the need for PCR amplification. The idea of directly analysing DNA in real time, without alteration, is nothing short of revolutionary.
Taking up this internship was an opportunity to challenge myself, particularly since I had no experience with techniques like HPLC, mass spectrometry, LC-MS, and automated systems. As someone who aims to work in the biotech industry post-graduation, this was a golden opportunity to diversify my skills and gain experience that will be invaluable when I apply for future roles.
My First Week at Oxford Nanopore Technologies:
The first week was all about acclimatising. I spent time learning the ins and outs of the company’s technology, protocols, and procedures, as well as getting a grasp on practical matters like accommodation and transportation. Thanks to the GSP Opportunities Fund, the stress of covering travel costs was eased considerably.
Living in Bath, I initially weighed the pros and cons of moving to Oxford, but the cost of living there made commuting the smarter choice. I decided to travel from Bath to Didcot Parkway, then take a short bus ride to the site in Harwell. The commute was straightforward, and with just one direct train and a short bus trip, it was far more cost-effective than relocating. For anyone considering an internship or placement, I would highly recommend weighing your options carefully and making sure you have the resources to manage transportation and living expenses.
The team at Oxford Nanopore was incredibly welcoming and supportive. I asked a lot of questions—a practice I’d highly recommend to any intern—because it’s the fastest way to understand new technology and workflows. By the end of the week, I had been assigned a brief for the study I would be working on, and I was ready to dive in.
The Final Week: Reflecting on Three Transformative Months
By the end of my internship, it felt surreal to have spent three months in the oligonucleotide production team. Over that time, I had worked on characterizing, quantifying, and purifying complex oligonucleotides, and I gained hands-on experience with automation technology. One of the highlights was testing new work instructions and offering feedback, which I presented to the team on my final day.
Looking back to my first week, when I was unsure how to operate most of the analytical equipment, it was gratifying to see how far I had come. From mastering tools like LC-MS and HPLC to operating the Opentrons machine, the learning curve was steep but rewarding. The key was staying proactive and unafraid to ask questions, which accelerated my learning and helped me build confidence with complex scientific instruments. And yes, mistakes were made along the way, but they only contributed to my growth.
Why You Should Apply for the GSP Opportunities Fund
The GSP Opportunities Fund was a game-changer for me. Without it, the cost of commuting and living in Oxford would have been prohibitive. Being able to focus on the work instead of worrying about how I’d afford travel allowed me to fully embrace the experience.
These three months have given me invaluable skills and insights that I know will benefit me in any lab role I pursue after graduation. As I enter my final year and prepare to apply for graduate positions, the work experience I gained at Oxford Nanopore will undoubtedly set me apart. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and I encourage any student considering an internship to apply for the GSP Opportunities Fund—it can open doors to transformative experiences that shape your career in ways you never anticipated.
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