Analysis of the Lifesci NYC Internship Program

Founded in 2012, Upper West Strategies (UWS) is a consulting firm focused on driving economic opportunity. In 2017, the New York City Economic Development Corporation selected UWS to manage the LifeSci NYC Internship Program, a paid summer internship program for undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing careers in the life sciences. UWS has implemented two rounds of the program to date. UWS engaged a Capstone team to answer the following question: as the life sciences industry grows, how can NYC increase the number and diversity of local university students who receive opportunities through the internship program? The team conducted a review of best practices among life sciences hubs nationwide, a gap analysis, and an analysis of intern traits predictive of internship placements. In its final report, the team summarized its literature review findings and synthesized several recommendations for improving the internship program and increasing the number and diversity of placed applicants.