Q&A con Interns: Marlene y Nicole

Get to Know PRRCI’s 1st Internship Program:

PRCCI is committed to contribute to the development of Puerto Rico’s clinical research ecosystem talent, including within its team. The organization is focused on prioritizing education while opening doors for undergraduates and recent graduates. As a result, there are new opportunities for diverse learners to collaborate at PRCCI. This summer 2020 we are hosting our 1st internship program, bringing two students to the team. PRCCI is providing additional room for collaboration and solidifying partnerships between all members of the community, while learning from them as well. The interns are Marlene E. Frías Heraldo for Engineering and Nicole Collazo Santana for Communications. PRCCI sat down (virtually) for a Q&A with them:

Meet Marlene Frías Hiraldo, an incoming senior at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering:

What is your role at PRCCI?

  • I’m an Industrial Engineer Intern at PRCCI. My responsibilities include, but are not limited to, mapping all the processes and standardize them.

What has been your previous professional experience?

  • My very first professional experience was at Cemex Dominicana when I was in high school, it was just one summer. In my 3rdyear of college I joined Ethicon part of the Johnson and Johnson family of companies as a Business Excellence Co-op. Last summer I did an internship at The Kellogg Company as a Manufacturing Intern in their frozen food’s division.

Why did you decide to pursue this career?

  • I strongly believe Industrial Engineering is the best major that exists. You are not tied to a specific role. You can make meaningful impact whatever the path you choose within Industrial Engineering thanks to its nature.

Why an internship with PRCCI?

  • PRCCI is the only organization in Puerto Rico that is working towards improving the clinical research in the island. I strongly believe this type of research is critical for the wellbeing of patients, and at the same time it’s a vital discipline that contributes to Puerto Rico’s economic development.

Can you tell us about this experience so far?

  • The culture of an organization is one of the things that matter the most to me and although I don’t know anyone from the team in person due COVID-19, I can feel the love and respect they have for each other.

Which phrase best describes this experience?

  • “Time is nonrefundable. Use it with intention.”

Meet Nicole Collazo Santana, an incoming senior at The New School in New York City pursuing a degree in Journalism + Design:

What is your role at PRCCI?

  • At PRCCI I am a Communications Intern. My responsibilities include developing communications and media content, writing for social platforms, reading about trending topics, engaging and collaborating with other team members for new ideas, and organizing for media platforms.

What has been your previous professional experience?

  • During summer 2019, I was an intern at Foundation for Puerto Rico doing communications and marketing. I have freelanced in journalism throughout my college career and wrote for my college newspaper the New School Free Press.

Why did you decide to pursue this career?

  • I decided to pursue this career because I have a passion for storytelling and presenting voices that are not often heard. Through journalism, I am able to communicate with others and push forward diverse ideas.

Why an internship at PRCCI?

  • Being in this position gives me insight on a topic I had left behind after high school. Back then, I was very involved in math and science but drifted when I began college. Now at PRCCI I have an opportunity to reconnect with two subjects while also applying what I have been learning about throughout college to the communications team. I want to strengthen my media skills and teamwork skills to prepare myself for the workforce when I graduate.

Can you tell us about this experience so far?

  • This internship experience so far has been very pleasant. Something that stands out is the excitement everyone has on Mondays and the conversations about the weekend wishing each other positivity and checking in, sets a good, smooth tone to begin the work for the week. That culture and way of connecting with each other seems crucial for an effective and successful team, I really enjoy it.

Which phrase best describes this experience?

  • “A little progress each day adds up to big results!”

Both Marlene and Nicole continue their growth with PRCCI throughout the summer and beyond, maintaining connections with their teams.