JUMP TO CONTENT
Folder with the word 'internship' on it.

Insights from Interns: Real Experiences at ICON's Swansea office

Posting date: 12/08/2024
Author: Inside ICON

Insights from Interns: Real Experiences at ICON's Swansea Office

Internships offer a unique chance to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. At ICON's Swansea office, interns like Eugene, Mario, and Shehzadi have experienced firsthand what it’s like to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Here, they share their stories of growth, learning, and the valuable skills they've gained along the way.

Eugene’s Journey: Learning and Adapting

Eugene, a 2nd-year Materials Science and Engineering student, started his internship at ICON by assisting Project Representatives (PRs). One of his key projects involved enhancing clinical knowledge among PRs, which included creating resources for the PR wiki. Eugene found that his role wasn’t just about completing tasks; it was also about building essential skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. 

Eugene shares, "Working at ICON helped me improve my technical skills in Microsoft Office and develop important soft skills like active listening and collaboration. These are things you don’t always get from just studying." He also appreciated the support from his team, which made overcoming initial challenges easier. "The work culture here is friendly and professional, and the guidance from my colleagues was crucial in helping me succeed."

Mario’s Experience: Building Professional Skills

Mario’s internship provided him with meaningful exposure to a professional office environment, which he found both educational and inspiring. As a Project Associate Intern, Mario’s work included participating in international meetings with teams from the Americas and South Africa, broadening his understanding of global business practices. "Being in this environment allowed me to develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management," Mario explains. "The international exposure was eye-opening and enhanced my ability to work in diverse teams. It really gave me a global perspective on how different cultures and viewpoints influence business dynamics." Mario also valued the mentorship he received, which helped him gain confidence and a deeper understanding of the industry. "The mentors here were always willing to answer questions and guide me, which made a huge difference in my learning experience."

Shehzadi’s Story: Importance of Mentorship

For Shehzadi, a Business Management student, the internship at ICON was a chance to apply her academic knowledge in a professional setting. Her role involved shadowing sessions, attending meetings, and exploring different departments within the company. She found that the real-life experience of working at ICON was instrumental in helping her understand how the industry operates. 

"The people I worked with made my time at ICON much more enjoyable," Shehzadi reflects. "The support from my mentors and colleagues helped me excel in my tasks and contributed to my overall growth. The office environment was welcoming, and the flexibility in work hours was a great perk." As she prepares to return to her studies, Shehzadi feels that the skills and connections she made at ICON will be valuable throughout her academic and professional journey.

Looking Ahead: How Internships Shape the Future

All three interns agree that their time at ICON has been transformative. Eugene views his internship as a catalyst for both professional and personal development, while Mario sees it as a crucial stepping stone in his career. Shehzadi is eager to apply what she’s learned to her future endeavors. 

For anyone considering an internship, their message is clear: it’s a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience, develop essential skills, and build a foundation for your future career. The insights and experiences gained during an internship can have a lasting impact, setting you up for success in whatever path you choose to pursue.

Why Internships Matter

Internships offer students and recent graduates an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field. Typically lasting between 8 to 12 weeks, internships provide a structured learning environment where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world scenarios. The benefits of an internship go beyond just gaining experience—interns also develop critical soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which are essential in today’s competitive job market. 

At ICON, internships serve as a stepping stone toward a successful career. Many interns find that the skills and connections they build during their time with us lead to full-time job offers, either at ICON or in their industry of choice. 

Whether you’re aiming to explore different career paths or deepen your expertise in a specific area, an internship at ICON can be the key to unlocking your professional potential.

List #1

Related jobs at ICON

Laboratory Assistant

Salary

Location

US, Lenexa KCI (PRA)

Department

Full Service - Early Clinical and Bioanalytical Solutions

Location

Lenexa

Remote Working

Office Based

Business Area

ICON Full Service & Corporate Support

Job Categories

Laboratory Support

Job Type

Permanent

Description

We are currently seeking a Laboratory Assistant to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Laboratory Assistant at ICON, you will provide essential support to laboratory operations by assisting with t

Reference

JR136909

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Michael Hartley Read more Shortlist Save this role
Certified Phlebotomist - Lenexa, KS (Onsite)

Salary

Location

US, Lenexa KCI (PRA)

Department

Full Service - Early Clinical and Bioanalytical Solutions

Location

Lenexa

Remote Working

Office Based

Business Area

ICON Full Service & Corporate Support

Job Categories

Clinic

Job Type

Permanent

Description

We are currently seeking a Medical Research Associate to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Medical Research Associate at ICON, you will be responsible for meeting/greeting clinical research volu

Reference

JR135871

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Lauren Berretta Read more Shortlist Save this role
Medical Director

Salary

Location

US, Blue Bell (ICON)

Department

Drug Safety & Pharmacovigilence

Location

Blue Bell

Remote Working

Office or Home

Business Area

ICON Full Service & Corporate Support

Job Categories

Medical Director

Job Type

Permanent

Description

We are currently seeking a Medical Director (Pulmonology) to join our diverse and dynamic team. As a Medical Director at ICON, you will play a pivotal role in driving medical initiatives within projec

Reference

JR136821

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Muna Nelke

Author

Muna Nelke
Muna Nelke

Author

Muna Nelke
Read more Shortlist Save this role
Clinical Trial Manager II

Salary

Location

US, Blue Bell (ICON)

Location

Blue Bell

Remote Working

Office or Home

Business Area

ICON Strategic Solutions

Job Categories

Clinical Trial Management

Job Type

Permanent

Description

We are currently seeking a Clinical Trial Manager to join our diverse and dynamic team at ICON Plc. In this critical role, you will be responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and successfu

Reference

JR134820

Expiry date

01/01/0001

Melissa Benner Read more Shortlist Save this role
View all
List #1

Related stories

Headshot image of male
Inside ICON Bulgaria: Career Insights from Dimitar Karzhin, Site Head

Teaser label

Our People

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

10/08/2025

Summary

A Career Built on Purpose: Dimitar's Journey at ICON Plc Dimitar Karzhin’s career path is not one he could have predicted. What began with a decade as a practicing General Practitioner in Bulgaria l

Teaser label

Discover valuable career insights and leadership lessons from Dimitar Karzhin, Site Head of ICON Plc Bulgaria.

Read more
Man at standing computer desk
10 Steps to Building a Professional LinkedIn Profile

Teaser label

Career Progression

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

09/19/2025

Summary

How to Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile That Attracts Employers LinkedIn is no longer just a digital CV. It is a professional network, a space to showcase your skills and a platform to connect with

Teaser label

Discover practical tips on creating a professional profile, networking effectively and growing your career online.

Read more
Shaping a Career in Clinical Research

Teaser label

Our People

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

09/16/2025

Summary

Growing with ICON: Christina’s Journey in Clinical Operations and Quality Leadership At ICON, we are proud to showcase the incredible journeys of our colleagues who make a real impact on pati

Teaser label

Read about Christina’s journey from CRA to Clinical Operations Manager at ICON Strategic Solutions.

Read more
View all
List #1

Recently viewed jobs

View Jobs

Browse popular job categories below or search all jobs above