We’re committed to growing and shaping the careers of the next generation of ambitious, innovative professionals and value the fresh perspectives that early career candidates bring to the table. To support early career candidates during peak application and interview season — which runs late summer through October — we sat down with Andria Armato, Early Career Talent Manager for Information Technology and Digital Programs at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), a leading global biopharmaceutical company.
Having worked as a recruiter in many business sectors, Andria saw an opportunity to put “a human element to talent acquisition” by joining BMS. Andria also enjoys working with early career candidates and seeks out the unique points of view they bring to an organization. Here and in the video at the end, she shares four key insights for helping early career candidates ace the interview process.
1. Explore Opportunities and Make Connections
As a first step, Andria encourages students at the undergraduate and graduate levels to explore programs that are tailored for them — opportunities like internships, co-ops, rotational programs and more. Candidates can start by exploring the careers.bms.com website and visiting the student opportunities page. “There you’ll find information and requirements on our different programs, as well as success stories from alumni, previous interns and some of our current associates,” said Andria. “We also encourage candidates to reach out to our Talent Acquisition team. Email us at University.Programs@bms.com, or reach out to us over LinkedIn. We are always happy to connect.”
Fizza Naqvi, DigITal Accelerator Development Program Associate at BMS, explored BMS’ early career opportunities through our rotational program, and then advanced from intern to full-time associate. “The rotational program showed me that BMS is a great place to work,” said Fizza. “For someone who is early on in their career, you get exposure to the various areas within the pharmaceutical industry. BMS invests heavily in their people and that’s something that I've consistently seen — they’re committed to helping people develop in their careers while making sure that every employee is having the best experience possible.”
2. Use the STAR Method to Develop Your Answers
When preparing their applications, Andria encourages applicants to utilize the STAR method interview technique. This four-step process prompts candidates to describe the Situation; their Task in it; the Action they took; and the Results they achieved. The STAR method is beneficial because it helps you prepare your thoughts, tell a memorable story, and demonstrate why you are a strong fit for the opportunity or role.
During the interview process, it’s important to be clear and succinct when discussing each step. Have examples that support you at each step, and share specifics around those examples. Finally, be ready to discuss how your contributions made a difference.
3. Bring Your Curiosity and Willingness to Learn
“When you're truly at your best,” said Andria, “you do your best work.” During the interview process, make it clear that you are ready to learn and grow. Share how you have worked to acquire new skills and are eager to continue your development. Andria noted that BMS emphasizes continuous learning, professional growth, a strong sense of purpose, and ensuring that each employee “feels connected to the goal of transforming patients’ lives through science through the work they're doing.”
It’s also important to demonstrate how your curiosity, enthusiasm and eagerness to grow your skillset directly supports the company’s mission. “It's been amazing to work with like-minded people,” said Fizza. “Science and the mission of the company are things that I’m very passionate about and having the opportunity to be around people who want the same thing and are moving toward that same goal — plus the ability to get advice from people who have been in the industry for many years — has been very exciting for me.”
4. Let Your Authentic Self Shine
Above all, Andria encourages applicants to be their true, authentic selves. “At BMS, we hire according to the business needs, but we also hire based on the individual — what we see that they can uniquely bring to the organization,” said Andria. “That's why I stress to anyone that is interviewing — whether they’re early career or a seasoned vet — the best thing that you can do is be yourself.”
Authenticity is a key word that Andria uses to describe BMS’ culture to candidates. “Our culture is defined by our commitment to collaboration and delivering innovative medicines that are going to help our patients,” said Andria. “As a company, we foster an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives.”
