Elizabeth Basilious, COL ’25, Los Angeles, CA
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at Guidehouse as a life sciences consulting intern in New York, NY. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, offering me a deep dive into the dynamic world of life sciences consulting. This internship built upon my previous academic and professional experiences as a student studying Health and Societies with a concentration in Healthcare Markets and Finance, and a minor in Healthcare Management at Penn. My coursework provided me with a strong theoretical foundation in healthcare systems, markets, and financial principles, which I was able to apply and expand upon during my time at Guidehouse. The intersection of academic knowledge and practical experience allowed me to better understand the complexities of the healthcare industry and how strategic decisions are made within it.
My role involved a variety of responsibilities that not only honed my analytical and research skills but also provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry, particularly in the realm of immunology. A significant portion of my internship focused on analyzing the qualitative and quantitative trends of a patient support program associated with a newly launched immunology drug. This was a particularly enlightening experience, as it allowed me to see firsthand how patient feedback and data can drive strategic decisions in the life sciences industry. The analysis I conducted helped identify key areas of improvement for the program, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of patient care and support. Working alongside fellow interns, consultants, and senior consultants, I learned the value of collaboration and creative problem-solving, especially when tackling complex issues within the health segment advisory team.
I was also responsible for recruiting for physician, office manager, and patient interviews as part of our primary market research efforts. This task was far more intricate than I initially anticipated. It required not only a strong understanding of the target audience but also the ability to effectively communicate the purpose and value of the research to potential interviewees. I was also involved in refining the moderation of these interviews, ensuring that the conversations were structured to yield the most valuable insights. This process taught me the importance of adaptability and precision in gathering data, as the insights from these interviews were critical in shaping our strategic recommendations for clients.
In conclusion, my summer at Guidehouse was an invaluable experience that provided me with a solid foundation in life sciences consulting. The hands-on work, coupled with the mentorship I received, has greatly expanded my understanding of the industry and reinforced my passion for healthcare consulting. I am excited to continue building on the skills and knowledge I acquired this summer as I pursue a career in this dynamic field.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
