My name is Megan Murphy, and I am currently completing a six-month placement at AbbVie in Carrigtwohill, a leading biopharmaceutical company. As part of my program - Business Information Systems at Cork University Business School (CUBS), this placement offered me the invaluable opportunity to put into practice many of the skills and concepts I learned throughout my studies. Being able to apply my academic knowledge to real-world challenges in a dynamic workplace environment has been both rewarding and eye-opening and has further prepared me for my future career in the business and technology sector.
Placement Highlights
During my placement at AbbVie, I was a part of the Business Technology Solutions department, and I was fortunate to be involved in a wide variety of enriching experiences that enhanced my professional growth and made my time there incredibly memorable. One of the key highlights was participating in an intern roundtable, which brought together interns from different AbbVie sites across Ireland. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with interns from different backgrounds and colleges, exchange ideas, and present the projects we were each working on, giving me a real sense of community and collaboration within the company. Additionally, traveling up to the Citywest site provided me with exposure to AbbVie’s commercial operations, where I gained a deeper understanding of the business side and the strategic decisions that drive the company’s success.
I also thoroughly enjoyed participating in AbbVie’s Week of Possibilities initiative. This involved traveling to Knockraha with other interns and team members, where we dedicated our time to improving a local school, working together on projects like refurbishing classrooms and building a bug hotel for the students. It was inspiring to see how the company supports community engagement and social responsibility and gave me the opportunity to connect with new people outside an office setting.
A particular professional highlight for me was getting hands-on experience using Power BI to contribute to a project aimed at improving manufacturing operations. Through this, I was able to apply analytical and technical skills I had developed during my studies, and it was exciting to see firsthand how technology and business are increasingly integrated within the pharmaceutical industry to drive innovation and operational improvements. Altogether, these experiences not only challenged me but also gave me a much clearer idea of the dynamic environment I hope to work in and have inspired me for my future career.
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The modules I studied over my three years in BIS proved invaluable in preparing me for my placement at AbbVie. In particular, the Personal Development module equipped me with practical insights into what to expect from a professional environment and taught me how to make the most of the experience. This module’s SPEAK programme was especially beneficial, allowing me to improve my presentation skills before starting my placement and giving me the confidence to deliver presentations throughout, including my final report to the Senior Leadership Team. The Organisational Data Analysis and Visualisation module also had a significant impact, as it introduced me to tools like Tableau; the familiarity I gained with data analysis and visualization directly translated to my use of Power BI on projects at AbbVie. Additionally, the Web Development module in second year gave me a solid foundation in HTML and CSS, which I was able to apply when helping to digitise forms and streamline processes during my placement. Altogether, these modules helped me bridge the gap between academic concepts and real-world challenges, enabling me to make meaningful contributions during my time at AbbVie.
Reflecting on my placement experience, I am grateful for the variety of experiences and challenges that pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. This placement not only broadened my perspective on the intersection of business and technology but also sparked new ambitions and clarified what I value in a future role. As I prepare for my final year, I feel equipped with practical skills and a clearer sense of direction for the next steps in my career journey. The groundwork I developed throughout my BIS studies made a significant difference—providing me with the abilities and self-assurance to face real-world workplace challenges and fully embrace every opportunity that came my way.