Future Talent: Jake Keffer

Through our internship program, we’re dedicated to providing our Future Talent with hands-on experience to learn and grow professionally. Listen to how Jake Keffer is making the most of his internship within ReCode’s Business Operations department.

ReCode: What is your current role at ReCode, and what project(s) are you working on

Jake: I am a summer intern for the Business Operations team under Max Barker. So far this summer, I have reviewed, annotated, and familiarized myself with specific legal documents, constructed financial models, and helped assemble internal financial planning and analyses. Currently, I am assisting in the organization of financial, legal, and scientific data, and I am working directly with the Business Operations team to devise solutions for internal systems.

ReCode: What about ReCode inspired you to return for a second summer internship?

Jake: My first summer at ReCode was truly transformative for me in my career path and aspirations. From the exceptional guidance and insight I received from my mentors, to the unmatched work culture, to simply the values that ReCode stands for, my experience not only inspired me to return for a second summer but also to ultimately pursue a career in the field of healthcare and biotechnology.

ReCode: Which one of ReCode’s core values do you resonate with the most and why

Jake: I personally and professionally align with all of ReCode’s core values, but the one I resonate with most is the value of “Solving Together.” I believe that teamwork and collaboration are essential to achieve meaningful and sustainable progress and solutions. Leveraging diverse perspectives and ideas allows for the efficient and effective tackling of complex tasks or problems, which, as I have learned during my time at ReCode, is especially vital in the development of therapies.

ReCode: What’s been your favorite part of interning at ReCode?

Jake: My favorite part of interning at ReCode has been working with and learning from brilliant people. Not only has the work I have done over the last two years taught me a significant amount about the science, legal, competitive, and operational aspects of a biotechnology company, but the openness to teach and collaborate by the people at ReCode has taught me what an exceptional work culture looks like. The lunch and learns, one-on-ones, and, especially, the team dinners, have provided me with perspective on how people are at the core of a business’s success.

ReCode: Have you dealt with any new surprises or challenges you might not have experienced prior? If so, what lessons can you take away from it?

Jake: I would say that my biggest hurdle has been understanding the science behind therapeutics and its functions. However, I have found that continuing to ask questions and doing individual research has and will continue to progress my knowledge, on top of pursuing a biological sciences minor.

ReCode: Have you learned/gained any new skills or knowledge from this year’s internship?

Jake: This year’s internship has given me new insight into the different facets of the business. Specifically, I have learned how investor relations are managed, how to construct financial models, the considerations in and writing of legal documents, and progressed my skills and navigability in various applications such as Excel.

ReCode: Any additional insight or advice you’d like to share while working at ReCode?

Jake: My advice would be to make the most of one’s time at ReCode. From an internship standpoint, the three months pass in the blink of an eye, so learning and taking in as much information as possible on a day-to-day basis is extremely important. Additionally, building and maintaining relationships with as many people as possible will prove to be of significant value both at ReCode and beyond.