Our third 2025 spotlight on a participant in the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) at U of T focuses on Jamieleen Pingol.
ASIP is a professional work-integrated learning program for Faculty of Arts & Science students enrolled in Department of Chemistry programs, and other specific programs of study. It combines 12 to 20 months of paid work experience with specialized professional development training. Participating students gain practical work experience, learn career skills, and build their professional networks. An "earn while you learn" opportunity, ASIP's paid positions allow students to develop essential job search skills and labour market insights.
Jamieleen graciously shared her insights on the benefits of the program.
Bio: Jamieleen Pingol
Hello :) My name is Jamieleen Pingol (she/her) and I'm a fourth year enrolled in the Pharmaceutical Chemistry specialist, focus in Green Chemistry, with an additional focus in Practical Chemical Analysis. I've done mainly organic synthesis research in the Rousseaux, Taylor, and the Batey labs at the St. George campus. I am currently fulfilling my 8-month ASIP work term as a Research & Development Assistant at The Crump Group, a pet treat manufacturing company that is female-led and originally Ontario-based.
Home campus: St. George
Area of chemistry: Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Focus: Drug/Product Development
We asked: what made you decide to apply to ASIP?
I knew I wanted to enter the workforce after studying and the Pharmaceutical Chemistry specialist was my best-fit program at the time I was applying for universities. I was passionate about chemistry and I had my eye on the healthcare industry. Pharmaceutical Chemistry was the only chemistry program that offered the option for co-op. I also wanted to take advantage of all the opportunities I had to my disposal while studying at UofT.
Can you tell us a little about your experience in the program? What kind of an internship was it? What did you learn?
The Crump Group's work focuses on manufacturing pet treats with natural ingredients, in which I assist with the development of new products in their Research and Development department. I have the privilege to learn from experienced food scientists and exercise the tasks that they do on a regular basis in the team. I also get to see first-hand how R&D plays a role in the success of the company.
ASIP aims to help participants gain practical work experience, learn valuable career skills and build their professional networks. How did your experience affect your confidence in your chemistry skills and possible future job search?
With ASIP, I learned helpful tips and tricks on how to structure my applications as well as how to navigate interviews, making me more confident when it comes to applying for new opportunities. With R&D, I get to practice my laboratory and analytical skills, plus use my Chemistry knowledge when it comes to ingredients and formulations (e.g. understanding the structure and function of humectants in formulations).
As well, being in an industrial workplace gives me an idea of how working in a pharmaceutical company environment may look like.
What would you tell other students who may be considering the program?
If you want experiences outside of chemical research, then ASIP may be for you. You get access to a job board that contains a variety of different opportunities; I was able to secure interviews from research centres in hospitals and companies from both the pharmaceutical and food industries thanks to their job boards. You could also benefit from ASIP's professional development courses and a lot more!
The world is really your oyster when it comes to ASIP.
I learned helpful tips and tricks on how to structure my applications as well as how to navigate interviews, making me more confident when it comes to applying for new opportunities. --Jamieleen Pingol
Additional links: ASIP's 2025 application window is expected to open in June. For more information and to determine your eligibility, visit the FAQ area of their site.