Eli Lilly and Company is well-known for its pioneering work in medicine, patient-centered innovation, and commitment to global health. The company offers a robust internship program designed to attract motivated students eager to gain real-world experience in a highly dynamic, mission-driven industry.
These internships span various departments, from research and development to business operations, providing a comprehensive look into the multifaceted world of healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
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A Deep Dive Into the Internship Experience
Eli Lilly’s internship program is structured to challenge interns while also nurturing their potential. Interns are not relegated to menial tasks but are instead treated as valued contributors working on real projects that have the potential to influence business outcomes and patient lives. This hands-on approach provides a rare opportunity to apply academic learning to meaningful, large-scale problems, and in turn, gives students an authentic preview of what it’s like to work at a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company.
Interns are typically assigned to a specific team within the company, such as clinical development, data analytics, finance, marketing, human resources, or manufacturing. Within these departments, they participate in meetings, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and engage in problem-solving that mirrors the responsibilities of full-time employees. Eli Lilly places a strong emphasis on mentorship, ensuring that every intern is paired with experienced professionals who guide them throughout the experience.
Cultivating Future Leaders
Leadership development is a cornerstone of Eli Lilly’s internship initiative. Interns are encouraged to think critically, speak confidently, and take ownership of their projects. They attend workshops focused on professional development, participate in networking events, and often present their work to senior leaders. This culture of empowerment is designed not just to fill short-term roles, but to cultivate the company’s next generation of leaders.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Impact
One of the defining characteristics of the Eli Lilly internship program is its focus on diversity and inclusion. The company understands that innovation thrives in an environment where people of different backgrounds and perspectives collaborate. As such, they seek interns from a wide range of academic disciplines, cultures, and experiences. Whether a student is majoring in biology, business, computer science, psychology, or engineering, there is likely a place for them within the company.
Additionally, Lilly fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where interns feel safe and respected. Employee resource groups (ERGs) and affinity groups are open to interns as well, allowing them to build community and learn about workplace inclusion firsthand. The company’s commitment to equity goes beyond internal culture—many projects that interns work on relate directly to improving access to healthcare for underserved populations or enhancing the inclusivity of clinical trials.
Global Perspective and Local Support
While Eli Lilly is a global organization, its internship programs maintain a balance between global reach and local impact. Interns may work at the company’s global headquarters in Indianapolis or at other locations in the U.S. and abroad, depending on their role. The internship also includes opportunities to collaborate with colleagues from international branches, providing valuable insight into how healthcare challenges differ around the world—and how multinational companies address them.
Despite its international scale, the program remains highly personalized. Managers take time to understand each intern’s goals and tailor the experience accordingly. Whether an intern wants to improve their technical skills, explore different functions within the business, or prepare for graduate school, Eli Lilly provides the tools and support to help them succeed.
Selection Process
Applying for an internship at Eli Lilly typically involves submitting a resume and completing an online application, followed by interviews assessing technical ability and cultural fit. The process is competitive, but also transparent and thoughtful. Lilly looks for candidates with strong academic records, curiosity, leadership potential, and a clear desire to make a difference in the world through healthcare innovation.
Parting Reflections
Eli Lilly internships offer more than job experience, they provide a platform for growth, discovery, and impact. Whether you’re interested in developing new treatments, improving patient experiences, or optimizing business operations, the internship program is a chance to contribute to work that truly matters. For students eager to explore careers at the intersection of science, technology, and humanity, an internship at Eli Lilly can be the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
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