CHARLIE’S INTERN EXPERIENCE
May 28, 2025
SCIENCE HUMANISED: RETHINKING PHARMACY AND SELF-CARE: A FRESH CONVERSATION WITH DR AUSTEN EL-OSTA (PART 2)
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Six months ago, I joined Verve as an intern in their Optical team, with a background in marketing and campaign management but no prior experience in the healthcare industry. What started as a leap into the unknown has turned into a rewarding experience, opening my eyes to a whole new industry and leading me to step into a new role as Account Executive (spoiler alert!).
Having some experience in PR and communications helped me transition into this role smoothly but learning how to apply it to the healthcare sector – especially something as niche as optical communications – was a big shift. As I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 10 (and also recently started using contact lenses), I already felt connected to the field—which made me even more curious to learn about it!
When I saw the internship opening at Verve, something about it clicked. I wanted to grow my skills in a new area, be part of a supportive team, and work somewhere that would challenge me... and honestly, that’s exactly how it turned out!
From day one, I was trusted with real responsibility. I worked across two client accounts, learned to manage and maintain client portals, responded to queries, and even had the chance to present my own ideas and research. It wasn’t just about supporting the team – it was about being part of it.
During my internship, I developed technical skills by learning platforms like WordPress and Mailchimp, and had the opportunity to attend events like 100% Optical – where I saw firsthand how the industry is evolving and innovating. I was even one of the lucky people to try out the new Nuance Audio glasses from EssilorLuxottica—it was incredible to actually put them on and experience the technology for myself! There’s a lot more excitement in the world of optics than I ever thought!
One of the highlights was helping prepare a presentation for the PM Society Awards, Agency of the Year (headcount under 30) category. It was great to see how much work goes on behind the scenes, from creating the structure of the presentation to the rehearsals. Presenting to a board of people was something I’d never done before and it was great to be able present with the support of the team. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a valuable experience which led to being invited to the awards ceremony with the team – it was a great evening out!
What truly makes Verve special is the people. From my first day, I felt welcomed and valued. Being part of a small team means there’s a genuine sense of community whether it’s celebrating birthdays, joining in for lunch or after-work socials, or even being invited to the Verve Christmas party just three weeks into my internship (a two-day trip to the English countryside, no less!) all of which makes it easy to feel like part of the team early on and build those connections with the team.
Verve also invests in its team’s learning and development. Weekly insights emails and regular “journal clubs” help us stay connected to the wider world of health communications. As someone in the optical department, I love being exposed to these different areas and these sessions give me insight into what some of the team at Verve are working on, even when I don’t understand the scientific paper.
Now, six months later, I’ve been offered the chance to continue my journey at Verve as an Account Executive. I feel incredibly grateful for the trust and support I’ve received. I’m excited to take on more responsibility, work more closely with clients, and continue learning every day.
It’s rare to find a role that challenges you professionally while making you feel like you belong. Verve has done both, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Verve is a health communications agency with the belief that great scientific communication doesn’t just inform – it connects, inspires, and drives action. Science is more than just clinical data and research papers; it’s also about the people it impacts and the ideas that shape the world around us.
Our philosophy at Verve, Science, humanised, brings together the precision of science and the power of human connection. We blend data with empathy, translating complexity into communication that resonates. Whether we’re creating compelling healthcare narratives, simplifying scientific breakthroughs, or engaging audiences with thoughtful storytelling, our mission is the same: to bridge the gap between knowledge and understanding.
Because when science is understood, it becomes more than knowledge, it becomes meaningful. We don’t just convey facts; we create experiences that make science accessible, relevant, and engaging. Our approach ensures that every story is rooted in accuracy but delivered with emotion, inspiring people to take action.
In a world where science is more important than ever, clear and impactful communication is key. Let’s make science something individuals don’t just read about-but truly connect with.
Thanks for reading! Stay curious, stay connected – We give you Verve.
May 28, 2025
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