Tell us a little about yourself and your journey to Latvia!
I come from the northwestern part of China, where winters are extremely cold – temperatures can sometimes reach minus 30 degrees Celsius. Because of that, I often joke that Nordic or Baltic winters feel almost warm to me. Before moving to Europe, I had never been abroad, not even to another Asian country. Around three and a half years ago, I moved to the Netherlands, and later to Sweden, where I am currently studying International Business at the Stockholm School of Economics. Since then, my life has become much more international. I have now visited 28 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Every place has taught me something different about people, culture, food, language, and also about myself. Latvia became another “unlocked country” on my map, but more importantly, a place where I could grow professionally and personally through my internship at Olpha.
Why healthcare and pharma?
It is difficult to say exactly when my interest in healthcare and pharma began, but over time it has become stronger and stronger. What attracts me most is that this industry directly helps people live better lives. Behind every medicine and treatment, there are patients, families, and stories of hope. For me, healthcare is not only about business or markets – it is also about saving lives, reducing pain, and using innovation to support people who need help. That is why I wanted to learn about the pharmaceutical industry not only through books or university case studies, but also through real-life experience alongside professionals working in the field every day.
What was your experience like at Olpha?
At Olpha, I worked with the Business Development team, and from the very beginning I felt welcomed and supported. I had the opportunity to work closely with wonderful colleagues – Anete, Atis, Sergei, and Viktorija – while also being guided by my mentor Elena. Having a mentor during an internship makes a huge difference. Elena helped me understand not only the tasks themselves, but also the bigger picture behind them: how business development works in a pharmaceutical company, how opportunities are evaluated, and how different teams contribute to company growth.
During this internship, I learned that business development in pharma is not only about numbers or commercial opportunities. It also involves understanding markets, identifying needs, thinking strategically, and connecting scientific, regulatory, commercial, and human perspectives.
What was the most valuable part of your internship?
One thing I appreciated the most was that I never felt like “just an intern.” I was given opportunities to participate, ask questions, observe discussions, and learn from real situations.
Is there a special moment you will remember after the internship?
Definitely my birthday celebration at Olpha. Since I was far away from home and many close friends, I did not expect anything special. However, receiving birthday wishes from colleagues made the day feel incredibly warm and memorable. It reminded me that a workplace is not only about projects and meetings – it is also about people, kindness, and inclusion. It may seem like a small moment, but for me it meant a lot and is something I will definitely remember with a smile.
What impressions did Latvia and Riga leave on you?
Outside of work, I really enjoyed discovering Latvia and its culture. One of the most memorable experiences was trying traditional Latvian food, especially cold soap with its bright purple color. I also had the opportunity to experience the atmosphere around Latvian national holidays, which helped me feel more connected to the local culture. Riga left a very positive impression on me – it is a city full of history, charm, and a calm yet lively atmosphere. I would definitely love to come back again.
How would you describe your overall internship experience at Olpha?
This internship has been a truly meaningful experience for me. It allowed me to connect my academic background in international business with my growing interest in healthcare and pharma. From cold winters in northwestern China to the Netherlands, Sweden, and now Latvia, my journey has been full of changes and surprises. Olpha has become an important chapter in that story – a place where I learned, met great people, and became even more inspired about the future of the healthcare industry.
I am very grateful for this opportunity, for the support from my colleagues and mentor, and for everything I experienced during this month. It was not only a professional experience, but also a journey of growth, connection, and discovering new possibilities.