Maelle A. started her journey at PharPoint as an intern and has transitioned to a full-time Statistical Programmer. Hear from her as she discusses her background, intern experience, and advice she has for other interns.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to pursue statistical programming?
A: I come from an international background that has deeply shaped how I view health, equity, and service. My family immigrated to the United States from Togo, and growing up between cultures made me very aware of how structural factors — access, resources, systems — shape health outcomes long before someone ever enters a clinic.
I initially pursued public health because I wanted to contribute to solutions that operate at a population level. During my Master of Public Health training in biostatistics and epidemiology, I discovered statistical programming to translate complex data into evidence that can directly inform decisions. What drew me in was the balance between technical rigor and real-world impact. Statistical programming allows me to contribute behind the scenes to work that ultimately supports patient safety, regulatory integrity, and public trust in research — which aligns closely with my commitment to public service.
Q: What drew you to PharPoint and made you interested in joining as an intern?
A: What stood out to me about PharPoint was its emphasis on collaboration, mentorship, and quality. As someone early in my career, I was looking for an environment where learning was encouraged and where interns were treated as meaningful contributors rather than just temporary support.
I was also drawn to PharPoint’s role in advancing clinical research that serves real patients. The idea of joining a team that values both technical excellence and thoughtful process resonated with me. I saw the internship as an opportunity to grow within a company that takes its responsibility to public health seriously, while learning from experienced programmers and statisticians in a structured, supportive setting.
Q: What was your experience like transitioning from an intern to a full-time Statistical Programmer at PharPoint?
A: The transition felt very natural. The internship prepared me well for the full-time role by giving me early exposure to PharPoint’s internal procedures, standards, and expectations. While I already had statistical programming experience coming in, the internship helped me understand how that work is applied specifically within PharPoint’s workflows.
By the time I transitioned to full-time, the work itself felt familiar — the biggest change was simply the scope and volume of responsibility. That continuity made the transition smooth and reinforced my confidence that I was stepping into a role I was ready for.
Q: What skills or experiences from your internship have been most valuable in your current role?
A: Learning PharPoint’s internal processes and standards has been especially valuable. Understanding how documentation, QC expectations, and collaboration function across teams has helped me work more efficiently and with greater confidence.
Equally important was developing the habit of asking thoughtful questions and being proactive about clarity. The internship reinforced the importance of understanding the “why” behind programming decisions, not just the technical steps, which has carried over strongly into my full-time work.
Q: What advice would you give to interns who hope to grow into a full-time role at PharPoint?
A: I would encourage interns to stay open — to new ways of doing things, to feedback, and to learning beyond what they already know. Patience and consistency really matter. Growth doesn’t always feel dramatic day to day, but it adds up quickly when you stay engaged and committed.
Being reliable, curious, and willing to trust the learning process goes a long way. PharPoint is a place where effort and dedication are noticed, especially when paired with a genuine desire to improve.
Q: What are you most excited about as you continue your career at PharPoint?
A: I’m most excited about continuing to grow as a programmer — deepening my technical skills, expanding my understanding of clinical research, and becoming more confident in handling complex analyses and deliverables.
More broadly, I’m motivated by the knowledge that this work contributes to public health in meaningful ways. Being part of research that supports safe, effective treatments reminds me why I chose this path in the first place. I’m excited to keep learning and to contribute more fully to work that ultimately impacts patients’ lives.
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