University Intern - Communications & Government Affairs

This is a 12-month paid internships starting September 2026. The role is head office based requiring a minimum of 2 days a week to be worked from our office in Winnersh.

Salary: £26,000 per annum

Closing Date: 16th November 2025

WHY CHOOSE BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM FOR YOUR PLACEMENT YEAR?

Boehringer is a global company that has a strong purpose; positively impacting the lives of millions, the planet, our communities and of course, positively impacting the health of people and animals. But how will it positively impact you?

As an intern at Boehringer, you won’t be alone! Joining in September 2026, you will be part of a sizeable cohort of talented students, spanning across our entire business. From day one, you will be supported by your team, your manager and by HR. You will be doing real work, contributing to our success and building your depth of understanding in your chosen area. You will also be supported to succeed with a range of learning opportunities that go beyond your specific role development. Learning moments cover personal development such as organisation and effectiveness in the workplace, building your confidence, networking and building effective relationships. There is also a focus on career development including company-wide ‘look and see’ tours, lunch and learns and workshops that overview the array of roles to be found in a leading global pharmaceutical organisation. And if all of that isn’t enough… there is a competitive salary, great benefits, a collaborative office / production site experience (although most roles also offer hybrid working) and a truly passionate culture!

POSITION

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.

REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants will be studying for a social sciences, natural sciences, English or Law degree. Or another degree with a demonstrable interest in communications or public and government affairs.
• 3 A levels at grade ABB (minimum)
• Applicants must have the ability for independent travel to work and other sites.
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

WHY CHOOSE THIS PLACEMENT

The student will be a key participant of the Corporate Affairs (Communications & Public and Government Affairs) team and have opportunities to gain experience in:

• Understanding how corporate affairs contributes to meeting business objectives.
• Creating clear concise materials from complex multiple information sources.
• Planning and execution of corporate and product corporate affairs campaigns.
• Exposure to related activities in Market Access, Patient Engagement and National Policy.

KEY COMPENTENCIES

• 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.
• Strong written communication skills, able to write clearly, succinctly and correctly, writes convincingly in an engaging, structured and logical manner, avoiding unnecessary use of jargon or complicated language.
• Experience with Microsoft Office essential with the ability to adapt knowledge to use Boehringer’s local systems/platforms/technology.
• Sets clear objectives, plans activities well in advance, manages time effectively, identifying and organising resources needed to accomplish tasks, monitoring performance against deadlines.
• Able 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.
• Follows instructions from others without unnecessarily challenging authority. 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.

FUNCTIONAL COMPENTENCIES

• Fluent in English language - essential
• Previous interest in communications - desirable
• Knowledge or understanding of healthcare or agriculture - desirable
• Can do attitude and sense of humour – essential.

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