Danai Dapola

Danai's interview

What have you discovered at GSK ?

At GSK, especially as someone experiencing the pharmaceutical industry for the first time, I discovered how dynamic and multifaceted the clinical operations environment can be. While I was aware that clinical studies involved many steps, I had not fully appreciated how many different teams, perspectives, and areas of expertise come together behind the scenes to progress a study. Beyond gaining an understanding of the scientific and technical aspects of the clinical trial process, I was struck by the level of coordination required to align and guide different teams. Through this experience, I have learned the importance of cross-functional collaboration, adaptability to challenges and evolving priorities, and effective communication in supporting the progression of studies, as multiple teams work together to move a study forward.

What surprised you the most when you started your internship?

What surprised me most was how quickly I was able to settle in, despite the significant change. Prior to starting the internship, I did not quite know what to expect and likely perceived the experience as more intimidating than it actually was. In reality, from the very first days, the environment felt welcoming and open, which made the transition much smoother than I had anticipated.

How would you describe the team atmosphere you work in?

The atmosphere within my team is supportive, welcoming, and collaborative. Colleagues are approachable and willing to help and offer guidance, which made it easy for me to settle in and feel comfortable from the start.
Regardless of role or level of experience, everyone is encouraged to openly communicate and share their ideas and perspectives. From early on, I felt involved and valued as an active member of the team rather than merely observing, which created a strong sense of inclusion from the very beginning.

How has your internship evolved since you started?

In the beginning, much of the experience involved familiarising myself with new systems, processes and the overall rhythm of working within a large organisation. As my internship progressed, I became increasingly involved in actively supporting clinical trial operations. I began collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders, including both internal teams and external partners, working with various systems to track progress and manage documentation, and overall started contributing to the coordination and oversight of ongoing studies.

How has this experience shaped your career goals?

This internship has provided me with a clearer and more realistic understanding of the professional environment and career path I could see myself pursuing. Being involved in clinical operations has allowed me to see the bigger picture of how a medicine or vaccine progresses from development to real-world use, and what happens behind the scenes. It has allowed me to experience first-hand what follows in the later stages, where treatments are tested in humans and evaluated for their safety and efficacy to ensure they meet the required standards before approval and availability across global markets.

What advice would you give to future interns or apprentices?

I would encourage future interns to come into this internship with an open mind and the willingness to learn something new every day. I would also advise them to ask the questions they are curious about and take the time to learn from the people around them. In the end, it is often the conversations you have and the people you meet that shape your experience the most.