Michael Stephenson
ENG’16 | Biomedical Engineering
Product Development Engineering Intern
CCD: Tell us about your experience. What were your responsibilities?
Michael: nanoView Diagnostics is a startup company that is located in the Boston University Business Resource Center, at Photonics. I found this position after asking one of my professors for help in acquiring an internship. He directed me to the director of this program, who connected me with the company. I was responsible for performing research experiments and collecting data for further development of a prototype instrument. I also streamlined the quality control process for nanoView Diagnostics, most importantly adding, improving, and merging different software into one suite. Additionally, I helped with many business aspects at the company and was exposed to crucial decisions many early-stage startups must face.
CCD: What was the best thing about the experience?
Michael: The best thing about this summer experience was that I was really able to make an impact with the work I was doing. Working at a startup with five employees, I understood that everything I was doing not only mattered, but was crucial to the growth of the company. I was given lots of responsibility from the start of my internship, and I quickly grew into these roles. It was also refreshing to experience the business components of the company’s decisions, which is not something we are exposed to often in our schooling.
CCD: What was the most challenging part of your internship?
Michael: It was very daunting at first, because there was so much to learn right from the beginning. I felt a bit overwhelmed for the first week or two, but then I quickly found my feet and now I’m very grateful for the experience.
CCD: What is one thing you’ve learned that will be most beneficial in your future?
Michael: One thing I’ve learned is that nothing comes easy for young businesses. Seeing everybody working so hard and putting so much on the line for this company really taught me to chase the things I want and chose work where I can be very dedicated.
CCD: How has this experience changed your future plans?
Michael: This internship made me do a lot of thinking about my future plans. I started seriously considering graduate school because many of the people I was working with had higher degrees, and I talked to them a lot about it. After having this experience, I plan on going to graduate school for a master’s in biomedical engineering.
CCD: What has this internship taught you?
Michael: Having a summer internship is so important for guiding your future career plans. Try to incorporate your strengths into the work you are doing, even if it doesn’t seem straightforward. Summer internships are also great networking opportunities. You should try to meet as many people as you can, because you never know who will be able to help you down the road.
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