Each morning, as Farah Firzanah Binte Rahman (Year 4, NUS Economics) walks into Sanofi’s offices in downtown Singapore, she carries more than just her coursework knowledge – she brings the growing confidence of someone transforming classroom theory into real-world impact. Currently midway through her FASSIP (FASS Internship Programme) internship in Corporate Affairs at the pharmaceutical giant, Farah has already experienced what many students hope for from such placements: meaningful projects, authentic mentorship and those unplanned moments of growth that happen between scheduled tasks. In this interview, she reflects on finding her voice as an event MC, the art of networking through pantry conversations, and how embracing discomfort led to her most rewarding challenges.

How was your first day of work?
Farah Firzanah: My first day felt like a rollercoaster of emotions, as this was my very first internship and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I met many of the colleagues I would be working closely with, which initially made me a bit nervous. However, the nerves eased significantly after a warm welcome lunch with my managers, where we had the chance to get to know each other better in a relaxed setting. Later, we had a briefing session that helped set clear expectations and goals for my time at Sanofi, which gave me a strong sense of direction and confidence moving forward.

What is your daily routine at work?
I usually start my day with a cup of coffee from our in-house baristas, who are part of an inclusive hiring initiative — a small but meaningful reminder of the company’s commitment to diversity. They make excellent coffee and matcha, which adds a nice start to the morning.

Once I’m settled in, I begin by checking my emails and catching up on any updates from the region. I then outline my to-do list for the day, which helps me stay focused and organized. Given the fast-paced nature of the pharmaceutical industry, it's essential to stay agile and proactive in managing tasks and priorities. This routine helps me stay on top of my responsibilities and adapt quickly to any new developments.

What makes your day-to-day internship experience fun? Feel free to share lighter moments at the office, such as team lunches, fun activities or office pets/plants.
One of the lighter highlights during my internship was when the in-house baristas introduced a new menu item — the Matcha Latte. I had never tried matcha before and was initially hesitant, but my fellow intern and I decided to give it a go after lunch. To my surprise, I really enjoyed it! It became a small but fun ritual we looked forward to.

The office pantry, or as we call it the community centre, had a foosball table, which turned into a great spot for quick breaks. We would unwind there, playing a few rounds to relieve stress and recharge before heading back to work.

Although there weren’t any office pets or plants, what truly made my day-to-day experience enjoyable was the people. My colleagues were incredibly warm and welcoming, and the positive atmosphere they created made the office feel like a comfortable and friendly space to learn and grow.

One of the highlights of my internship experience was having the opportunity to emcee an event — my very first time doing so! The event was a Chinese New Year celebration, which made it especially memorable. It was fascinating to hear how colleagues from different countries celebrate Chinese New Year in their own unique ways, adding a rich cultural dimension to the event.

How was your experience attending company events, networking sessions and/or team bonding outings? Do share some takeaways and tips.
While the term “networking sessions” can sound formal and sometimes intimidating, I found that at Sanofi, networking happened quite naturally. Whether it was while waiting for a cup of coffee or grabbing a snack from the pantry, casual moments often led to meaningful conversations. Company events held at the community centre also created a relaxed environment to connect with colleagues over food and drinks, making it easier to build relationships in a more organic way.

As for tips:-

Set small, realistic goals. For those who are more introverted, large gatherings can feel overwhelming. Before attending an event, I found it helpful to set a small goal — such as speaking to three new people. This made the experience more manageable and intentional.

Switch up where you sit. Instead of staying at the same desk every day, try sitting in a different section of the office from time to time. I noticed that by simply sitting in a new area for a week, I naturally started interacting with new colleagues around me. It created opportunities for informal conversations and helped me integrate more comfortably.

Make use of pantry moments. The pantry is one of the best places for casual conversations. A simple “good morning” while waiting for coffee can lead to unexpected and engaging discussions. These small exchanges help build rapport over time.

Say Yes to lunch invitations — or initiate one. During my first week, I had not met the other interns yet and found myself exploring the area alone at lunchtime. A colleague of my manager kindly invited me to join her for lunch, which turned into a valuable opportunity to connect and learn more about different roles in the company.

Overall, I have learned that meaningful connections often grow from everyday interactions. Being open, approachable, and intentional even in small ways can go a long way in building a strong professional network.

What projects or tasks are you most proud of having contributed to?
During my internship at Sanofi as a Corporate Affairs Intern, I have had the opportunity to contribute to several meaningful initiatives. The regional scope of the role exposed me to cross-cultural collaboration and gave me insight into the pharmaceutical industry from multiple perspectives through close work with various departments.

One project that stands out was supporting a patient advocacy event held in Thailand. Despite joining the project in the later stages, I quickly adapted to Sanofi’s collaborative culture and took ownership of diverse responsibilities.

Together with a Thai colleague, we took the initiative to understand new processes, working late hours to ensure compliance with internal requirements and to coordinate communications with both internal stakeholders and external partners. Despite the challenges, the event came together successfully, and it was incredibly rewarding to see participants enjoy and appreciate the effort that went into it.

In addition to this project, I was also grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with my colleagues during Rare Disease Day in partnership with KKH. We helped run game booths and engaged directly with patients, an experience that was both humbling and heartwarming.

A particularly memorable moment came when a colleague invited me to support communications coverage for a mentoring program in partnership with the NUS Career Access Team. Being able to give back and share my journey with students who were now in the position I once was felt like a full-circle moment — a reminder of how far I had come and the impact I could make.

What are some new skills or lessons learnt from your experience so far?
Adaptability is key in fast-paced industries. From the very first day, it became clear that no two days would look exactly the same. Tasks and priorities could shift quickly based on regional developments, business needs, or unforeseen challenges. It is important to stay calm under pressure, learn quickly, and be resourceful. Being open to change and stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to significant personal and professional growth. In dynamic work environments, adaptability isn't just a helpful trait—it’s an essential one.

One of the most meaningful takeaways from my internship at Sanofi was the value of teamwork and collaboration. Coming into a regional role that spanned across Southeast Asia and India, I knew I would be working with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds. However, I didn’t fully grasp how enriching and essential that collaboration would become until I was deep into the experience.

Every project I worked on involved interacting with colleagues from different departments, and this required a balance of communication, openness, and respect for diverse perspectives. It taught me that effective teamwork isn’t just about sharing responsibilities—it’s about learning how to listen, adapt, and support one another even when things are uncertain or unfamiliar.

How has your internship experience shaped your career?
My internship at Sanofi has been a transformative chapter in my early career journey. It has provided not only a glimpse into the fast-paced pharmaceutical industry but also an environment where I could grow both professionally and personally. The experience solidified my interest in corporate affairs and communications while expanding my understanding of how cross-functional teams operate in a regional, multicultural context.

Through hands-on involvement in real projects—such as organising a regional patient advocacy event—I discovered the importance of adaptability, proactive problem-solving, and clear communication. Being trusted with responsibilities early on gave me the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone and make meaningful contributions, even in unfamiliar situations.

Moreover, the internship sharpened my interpersonal skills. Collaboration with colleagues across the region taught me how to work effectively across cultures and time zones, a skill that is increasingly valuable in today’s globalised workforce. Natural networking moments, volunteering activities, and mentoring opportunities all helped me develop a stronger sense of professional presence and community engagement.

Most importantly, the internship helped me see the kind of professional I aspire to be—one who is adaptable, collaborative, and driven by purpose. It affirmed my passion for work that involves communication, stakeholder engagement, and impact-driven initiatives. Moving forward, I feel better equipped and more motivated to pursue roles where I can continue growing in these areas while contributing meaningfully to the organizations I join.

If there is one piece of advice that you would like to share with your juniors about your internship, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to jump into the unknown!

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This interview first appeared on the FASSIP Students' Internship Insights page.