Dear Reader,

Embark on a journey with me through my adventurous six-month internship at F. Hoffmann-La Roche in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland, where I delved into the world of Large Molecules quality control (LM HPLC, Compendials, Particles).

My internship in Basel and Kaiseraugst was nothing short of an odyssey filled with professional challenges and personal growth. As an intern, I navigated a diverse range of tasks and projects, each an expedition that contributed profoundly to my academic and professional evolution. Here, I recount the thrilling responsibilities I undertook: Document and Presentation Preparation, Administrative and Project Support, Meeting Coordination, Maintenance Responsibilities, IT and Equipment Management, and Laboratory and Analytical Support.

Switzerland, with its picturesque landscapes, set the stage for my adventures outside of work. Arriving in the summer, I reveled in the sunny days with exhilarating swims in the Rhein, thrilling Solarbob rides, and basking in the glorious weather. As summer gave way to winter, Basel transformed into a whimsical wonderland, cloaked in snow and adorned with enchanting Christmas decorations. The winter atmosphere was magical and tranquil, with Christmas markets offering a delectable array of food and drinks that added to the festive spirit.

For those considering an internship at Roche in Switzerland, my advice is to dive headfirst into the plethora of activities Roche offers. These events are treasure troves of opportunities to forge new connections, cultivate friendships, and explore the vibrant local culture. The more you engage, the richer your experience will be.

Join the adventure and make the most of your internship journey at Roche!

Tips for other Interns

Preparation

I did not prepare specifically for the internship and was not given any tasks that I had to complete in order to prepare for the internship.

Visa Application

The visa application itself was very quick. All the necessary documents were listed online, so I only had to fill them in, print them out and sign them. However, as my internship lasted longer than 3 months, I had to submit the application on site.

Internship Search

I looked for an internship via the company’s website, which I also used to apply.

Apartment Search

At Roche, you have the choice of being given a (shared) flat or looking for your own flat and receiving a housing subsidy. I opted for the latter because I’m not a flat-sharing kind of person.

Insurance

I took out liability insurance in Germany and health insurance in Switzerland. The accident insurance was taken out through my employer.

Telephone-/Internetaconnection

The internet connection was included in my flat, so I didn’t have to worry about it.

Bank/Accountopening

The account was opened on the spot and required a temporary registration certificate from the migration office and my employment contract.

Going-out Activities

There are many places to go out in Basel, depending on whether you like going to bars/restaurants or clubs. It is also possible to sit down with your meal by the Rhine.