University Intern - Corporate Affairs

Boehringer Ingelheim; Bracknell; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Boehringer Ingelheim is offering 12-month paid Corporate Affairs Internships at its Winnersh head office in the UK. The role requires a minimum of two days per week in the Winnersh office, with exposure to communications, public and government affairs for Human Pharma and Animal Health.

You will develop skills in stakeholder engagement, policy monitoring, and project management while gaining insight into how a leading healthcare company operates in a highly regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English is essential.
• Pursuing a degree in social sciences, natural sciences, English, politics, international relations, law or similar with a placement year.
• Right to work in the UK for the full duration of the internship.

Responsibilities

• Monitor external media, parliamentary and government sources.
• Gather information on reputational themes and trends.
• Assist in developing briefing documents, press releases, key messages and digital materials.

Skills

Fluent English

Strong written communication

Strong verbal communication

Teamwork

Education

Degree in social sciences / related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Number of opportunities: 2

Salary: £26,000 (Not flexible)

Closing date: 26/10/2026

These are 12-month paid internships starting September 2027. The roles are head office based requiring a minimum of 2 days a week to be worked from our office in Winnersh.

INTRODUCING THE OPPORTUNITY

Corporate Affairs helps shape and protect Boehringer Ingelheim's reputation, building understanding of our business among employees, media, policymakers, patient and veterinary stakeholders, and the wider public. Through communications and public and government affairs, the team supports business priorities, strengthens trust and helps create an environment in which innovation can thrive.

As a Corporate Affairs Intern, you will gain hands‑on experience, working on real projects that support our Human Pharma and Animal Health businesses.

The main duties of the corporate affairs interns will be to support activities such as monitoring external media, parliamentary and government sources, especially as it relates to our products and corporate priorities, gathering information on emerging reputational themes and trends, and to assist in developing resources for use across the business. For example, briefing documents, press releases, key message documents and digital materials, as required.

In addition to the execution of the main corporate affairs (communications & public and government affairs) activities, the candidate will need to develop their knowledge and understanding of the key issues in the animal health and human pharmaceutical industries, including the rules related external communication in a regulated industry and the planning, development and implementation of aspects of a corporate affairs plan.

Over the course of the year, you will develop practical skills in communications, stakeholder engagement, policy monitoring, content creation and project management, while gaining valuable insight into how a leading healthcare company operates within a highly regulated environment.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Understand how corporate affairs contributes to meeting business objectives
• Create clear concise materials from complex multiple information sources
• Plan and execute communications and public & government affairs campaigns
• Exposure to related activities in Market Access, Patient Engagement and National Policy

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

• Practical experience supporting communications and public affairs activities within a global pharmaceutical and animal health company
• A strong understanding of how healthcare policy, government affairs, media relations and corporate communications support business objectives
• Experience creating a wide range of professional materials, including briefings, presentations, media content, stakeholder communications and policy resources
• Improved research, writing, project management and stakeholder engagement skills that will be valuable in a wide range of future careers
• Greater confidence working in a professional environment and collaborating with colleagues across different functions and levels of the organisation

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM A BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INTERNSHIP

• Meaningful work and real responsibilities from the start, with opportunities to contribute to projects that matter.
• Joining with a large cohort of exceptional students, you will receive a clear placement plan setting out key projects, milestones and your learning goals for the year.
• Support from your manager, your team and HR, with regular feedback and development conversations.
• Learning opportunities beyond the role, including workshops, networking, career insights and exposure to different parts of the business.
• Access to coaching, mentoring and online learning resources, including Boehringer’s virtual University.
• The opportunity to build professional confidence, workplace skills and a network across the organisation.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Fluent in English language
• Studying for a degree in social sciences, natural sciences, English, politics, international relations, law or similar, and completing a placement year as part of the course. Or another degree with a demonstrable interest in communications or public and government affairs.
• The right to work in the UK for the full duration of the internship
• Ability for independent travel to work in Winnersh and other locations, such as London, from time to time
• Experience with Microsoft Office essential with the ability to adapt knowledge to use Boehringer’s local systems/platforms/technology
• Strong analytical and written communication skills, able to write clearly, succinctly and correctly as well as convincingly in an engaging, structured and logical manner, avoiding unnecessary use of jargon or complicated language
• Strong verbal communication skills within a business environment, able to speak clearly and fluently, expressing opinions information, and key points of an argument with clarity and simplicity
• Ability to work as team member, establishing good working relationships, adapting to the team as required; also, able to work as an individual contributor with minimal supervision. Must be highly motivated and have the ability to deliver both within a team environment and independently
• Sets clear objectives, plans activities well in advance, manages time effectively, identifying and organising resources needed to accomplish tasks, monitoring performance against deadlines
• Follows procedures and policies, keeping to schedules but remains flexible to changing priorities
• Professional approach to work that upholds Boehringer’s values and behaviours and complies with all legal obligations and HSE compliance requirements
• Can do attitude and sense of humour

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Previous interest in communications / public and government affairs
• Knowledge or understanding of healthcare or animal health
• Knowledge or understanding of design and video editing tools

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS

• Communicates clearly and professionally in writing and conversation.
• Works collaboratively, builds positive relationships and contributes own ideas proactively.
• Organises tasks, manages time and meets agreed deadlines.
• Takes ownership of learning, asks questions and responds positively to feedback.
• Adapts to changing priorities and approaches work with curiosity and initiative.
• Uses AI appropriately to deliver work. Confident with Microsoft Office and is willing to learn new systems and technology.
• Acts professionally and follows relevant policies, procedures, legal obligations and health, safety and environmental requirements.

WHY THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

Boehringer Ingelheim has been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK. Being certified as a Top Employer confirms our dedication to a better world of work, delivered through excellent HR policies and people practices. To learn more visit: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.co.uk/careers/uk-careers/why-great-place-work

Our Company

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,300 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

Why Boehringer Ingelheim?

With us, you can develop your own path in a company with a culture that knows our differences are our strengths - and break new ground in the drive to make millions of lives better.

Here, your development is our priority. Supporting you to build a career as part of a workplace that is independent, authentic and bold, while tackling challenging work in a respectful and friendly environment where everyone is valued and welcomed.

Alongside, you have access to programs and groups that ensure your health and wellbeing are looked after - as we make major investments to drive global accessibility to healthcare. By being part of a team that is constantly innovating, you'll be helping to transform lives for generations.

Want to learn more? Visit https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com