One of the most important elements of the Biotechnology BSc program is the mandatory six-week professional internship, which provides students with the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired at the university in real industrial and research environments. During their internship, biotechnology students of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Pécs can gain valuable experience at pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotechnology companies, and food industry enterprises.
The Biotechnology BSc internships allow students to explore the biotechnology sector from multiple perspectives and consciously build their professional future—whether in a national or international environment. During the internship, students actively participate in daily workflows: they take part in laboratory measurements, carry out quality control tasks, and learn how industrial standards operate.
Feedback has been clear: the professional internship not only provides knowledge but also helps guide future career paths. For many students, the internship opens concrete career opportunities, such as student jobs, later invitations to return, or long-term cooperation. Internship placements provide defining experiences for students not only professionally but also personally. The active support of mentors and colleagues helps students integrate into the workplace and develop their skills.
"I feel that I was finally able to apply the theoretical knowledge I had acquired during my studies to practical scenarios” said Máté Szijártó, who completed his six-week internship at Soft Flow Ltd. As he explained, he was able to stay on for several months as a student employee after the internship, which he believes will be a significant advantage when seeking employment later. Overall, the experience gave him a new perspective on his approach to research. He added that he gained insight into how an industrial environment operates and learned new techniques.
Afangide Udöidung Uwem also spoke positively about the internship experience. The student was able to deepen his knowledge at Prophyl Ltd. "It gave me a broad understanding of how a biotechnology company operates. I’m certain the experience and skills I gained there will be 100% useful in my future career." he said
A real working environment, real responsibility, a supportive professional community, and opportunities for development
"It's completely different from what we learn in class, this kind of thinking can only be learned in practice. A much greater sense of responsibility, because there we must take responsibility for any mistakes.” evaluated Izabella Zsófia Pék, who gained professional experience at Gedeon Richter Plc. “It has greatly contributed to the development of my future plans.” she added.
"It was a great opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in my biotechnology studies to a real-world setting." said Dániel Held-Baller, who gained practical knowledge at Pécsi Sörfőzde Plc. "I gained hands-on experience testing beer samples and understanding how quality control is carried out in the industry." he added, noting that the team was very supportive and the working environment friendly and professional. "It helped me confirm that this is the path I want to pursue, and it gave me a better understanding of the standards and responsibilities involved in ensuring product quality." he emphasized.
"Everyone was very direct and helpful, which helped me feel comfortable in my new environment. The exceptional attention and professional knowledge of my mentor assisted me on learning new skills." summarized Zsófia Szalma, who completed her internship at PannonPharma Ltd. In her view, the internship helped bring her professional goals even closer. "It gave me a much better idea of what working in the field is actually like and helped me figure out what areas I enjoy most." she added.