Applying for Internships During a Bachelor’s Program in Biomedical Engineering

As a student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, your journey towards a practical and career-focused education involves several key steps. One of the most important aspects is securing internships, which provide valuable hands-on experience and enhance your professional skill set.

Understanding Your Career Path

The career path in Biomedical Engineering often includes two main areas: research labs and testing companies, as well as instrumentation and consultancy solution companies. By the end of your second year, you might not yet have a wealth of experience, but there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself for these opportunities.

Even before you start seeking internships, it is crucial to identify areas where you can develop critical technical skills. Instruments and computing skills are often in high demand in the industry, and acquiring these skills during your first two years can provide a competitive edge. Additionally, because you cannot explore all sub-fields of biotechnology in a practical way, narrowing down and focusing on one specific area can help you align your efforts more effectively.

Starting Your Internship Search

Several platforms and resources are available to help you start your internship search:

1. Internshala

Internshala is an excellent starting point to explore internship opportunities. By creating a profile and searching for suitable companies, you can start learning about the types of internships available that align with your interests.

Example: For private companies, Internshala offers a platform to find and apply for internships. It is a resourceful starting point that can guide you through the application process and connect you with the right companies.

2. National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS)

The government of India through the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has listed several companies that willing students can approach, especially in regions like Delhi-NCR. By registering with NATS, you can directly contact these companies and express your interest in internships.

3. Company Websites

Creating a list of companies based on your research can be incredibly beneficial. For instance, Biocon, a company that focuses on delivering affordable innovation in healthcare, provides detailed information about their internship opportunities. Conducting thorough research and applying directly to these companies can increase your chances of securing an internship.

Example: Biocon's commitment is to improving the global healthcare landscape, and they often have internship programs that cater to students with a passion for biomedical engineering.

Exploring Research Fellowships

For students who are particularly interested in research, there are several fellowship programs available that offer hands-on experience in cutting-edge research:

1. Science Academies Summer Research Fellowship Programs

The three national Science Academies—Indian Academy of Sciences based in Bengaluru, Indian National Science Academy in New Delhi, and National Academy of Sciences, India in Allahabad—offer two-month Summer Fellowships. These fellowships enable students to work with leading scientists across these academies.

Interested students can apply by logging onto the official websites of these academies to submit their applications. Success in these programs can provide invaluable research experience and networking opportunities.

2. Summer Internship Programs at IISERs

If you are looking for research internships within India, several Institutes of Infrastructure, Science and Education Research (IISERs) offer summer internship programs. For example, IISER Pune, IISER Kolkata, IISER Mohali, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, and IISER Bhopal provide these opportunities.

These internships are specifically designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field.

3. Biotecknika

Biotecknika is a resource that keeps you updated on the latest biotechnology and biomedical engineering internships and research programs. It is an essential tool for students looking to stay informed and find exciting opportunities.

Example: Signing up with Biotecknika can help you stay informed about new research programs and internships, ensuring you are always aware of the latest opportunities.

Conclusion

Securing internships as a biomedical engineering student is a strategic process that involves preparing early, researching thoroughly, and applying selectively. By leveraging online resources and engaging directly with companies and academic institutions, you can increase your chances of success and lay a strong foundation for a future career in this exciting field.