MBiotech Internship Spotlight Series: Brendan Lee

Brendan Lee

Biopharma Year 2 (Class of 2026)

Internship Placement: Novo Nordisk

What is your role and what does a typical day look like for you?

I’m a Marketing Associate on the Cardiometabolic team at Novo Nordisk, where I support the launch and life-cycle management of therapies addressing chronic and metabolic diseases. My role sits at the intersection of science, strategy, and communication, translating clinical evidence into clear, actionable resources that help healthcare professionals make confident, informed decisions. I work heavily at the interface of marketing and sales, supporting key initiatives such as sales training, communications, and field strategy. Our team is currently in the launch phase of an indication expansion, which means much of my work focuses on cross-functional collaboration to ensure our strategy, messaging, and execution are cohesive and impactful. I also work closely with our agency partners to develop creative materials that bring scientific and brand messaging to life. Beyond my day-to-day responsibilities, I've had the opportunity to attend medical conferences, lead an advisory board, sit in on commercial shoots, and join the field force on ride-alongs across Canada – experiences that have deepened my understanding of customer needs and make me a stronger, more well-rounded marketer.

What has been the most rewarding or exciting part of your internship so far?

The most rewarding part of my internship has been stepping outside my comfort zone and taking real ownership of strategic projects that shape the direction of the brand. I’ve grown immensely by contributing not just to execution, but to the thinking behind how we position and communicate our therapies. For example, I enhanced my communication skills by presenting brand strategy to the specialty salesforce and independently leading a marketing advisory board for a new specialist segment. These are just two examples of many opportunities that have challenged me to lead with confidence, collaborate cross-functionally, and think like a marketer who understands both science and strategy.

What skills, technical or interpersonal have you developed the most through this experience?

This experience has strengthened my ability to think as an enterprise leader, recognizing how decisions ripple across teams and ultimately shape both organizational and patient outcomes. I’ve developed sharper strategic thinking, which has gone hand in hand with cross-functional collaboration and communication. Because my role is so people-facing, I’ve also learned the importance of empathy and active listening. I’ve seen how influence without authority comes from taking the time to understand others’ perspectives and fostering open, two-way dialogue. Balancing strategy with empathy has shaped how I lead in team settings and strengthened my ability to bring people together toward shared goals.

How did the MBiotech program prepare you for your internship?

The MBiotech program prepared me by bridging scientific knowledge with real-world business application. Through case-based learning, industry-relevant projects, and exposure to real business challenges, the program taught me to bridge science with strategy and to approach every challenge with curiosity and critical thinking. Beyond the coursework, the program created countless opportunities for professional growth through networking events, resume and interview workshops, and mentorship. I’m especially thankful to the MBiotech program team for their constant support and commitment to helping students find their voice, refine their skills, and step confidently into the industry. A special shoutout to my first MBiotech team, The Catalysts, for challenging me to think differently and for helping me grow through every challenge we tackled together.

In your view, what makes MBiotech students stand out in the workplace?

MBiotech students stand out because they bring an enterprise mindset early in their careers. The program develops not only scientific and business fluency, but also the ability to see how decisions ripple across teams and functions. We’re trained to think strategically, communicate clearly, and adapt quickly in complex environments. We’re used to working in fast-paced, team-oriented environments, which makes us adaptable and collaborative from day one. What really sets MBiotech students apart, though, is our mindset: we’re curious, pragmatic, and unafraid to take ownership of challenges that sit outside our comfort zone.

Where do you see your self professionally in 5 years?  

Starting my career in Marketing has given me the unique opportunity to work at the interface of many different functional areas. It has shown me how strategy comes to life through collaboration and how every interaction shapes the customer experience in powerful ways. Seeing how these pieces connect has deepened my understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and helped me recognize where I can create the most impact. In the next five years, I see myself in a field-based role where I can build on that foundation and engage directly with healthcare providers. I am inspired by the opportunity to translate science into meaningful conversations that help drive better decisions for patients. Ultimately, I hope to make a lasting impact by ensuring every interaction delivers value, trust, and a true sense of partnership.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone applying to MBiotech?

Focus less on having everything figured out and more on being open to where the experience can take you. The MBiotech program attracts people from all kinds of backgrounds, and its real value comes from the perspectives you gain by learning alongside them. Go in ready to ask thoughtful questions, challenge your assumptions, and make the most of every interaction, whether it is with a classmate, professor, or industry mentor. Growth in this program does not happen by following a straight path; it happens when you stay curious and engaged, even when things feel unfamiliar.