Meet the NYC Startup Internship Alumni: Samrin Alam

I’m originally from Bangladesh and I am currently an international student in the US, pursuing a BBA at Lehman College (CUNY), with a concentration in finance and a minor in cryptocurrency and blockchain. This summer, I’m interning at Pharmesol, a healthtech startup that builds AI-powered assistants for pharmacies to automate communication and administrative tasks.

Pharmesol’s solution handles phone calls, texts, and emails to support patient outreach, appointment scheduling, and prescription reminders with zero wait time. By integrating with existing systems, it helps pharmacies streamline operations, reduce staff burden, and improve efficiency.

As a Business Development and Operations Intern at a startup, I wear many hats. One of the highlights of this role is working closely with the company’s co-founder, gaining firsthand experience across operations, marketing, and finance. In operations, I focus on quality assurance and identifying workflow gaps to drive continuous improvement and inform product or automation strategies. I also help draft SOPs and create explainer videos to standardize internal processes.

On the marketing side, I lead content creation, writing SEO-optimized blog posts, designing AI-generated visuals, and repurposing content for LinkedIn. I research trends and competitor activity to pitch content ideas, maintain a publishing calendar, and assist with newsletter planning, lead generation, and outbound campaigns. In finance, I support budgeting and financial modeling while helping assess high-ROI opportunities.

A typical day begins with a cup of tea and real-time monitoring. My work varies: one day I’m deep in blog research, another day I’m building a financial model. Daily team standups are collaborative and solution-focused, and lunch breaks give us time to bond and learn about each other’s backgrounds. Occasionally, I get to shadow Natalie Park, our CEO and co-founder, during meetings—an inspiring and educational opportunity.

This internship has helped me grow in both technical and soft skills. On a personal level, I’ve learned to slow down and reflect, especially when developing ideas. I’ve become a more thoughtful writer and communicator, and I’ve sharpened my empathy, curiosity, and attention to detail, key traits in building user-focused solutions.

Technically, I’ve gained hands-on experience with tools like spreadsheets and HIPAA-compliant data workflows. I’ve also learned how AI is transforming pharmacy operations, including EHR integration and voice automation.

After graduation, I aim to work in financial services, ideally as an investment banker. I’m drawn to investment banking for its strategic decision-making, high-impact financial modeling, and the ability to influence major business outcomes. I’m also open to financial analyst roles, where I can continue applying my analytical strengths.

I plan to build my career in New York City, the global capital of finance. NYC offers unmatched access to top financial firms, a fast-paced deal environment, and a diverse, driven network. It’s the perfect place to launch a finance career.

This internship has already laid a strong foundation. I’ve developed cross-functional experience, worked directly with leadership, and strengthened my skills in problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking. I now better understand how businesses identify inefficiencies and use automation to drive results and insights that will serve me well in the finance world.

For any NYC student considering this program, my biggest advice is to network intentionally. Build real connections, seek out mentors, and never stop asking questions. Stay curious and proactive in every task. No matter how small, it’s a chance to grow. If you bring authenticity and initiative, you’ll gain not just experience, but meaningful relationships and long-term opportunities.