Pivot Bio Interns 2022: Strategic Research
Students from across the U.S. join Pivot Bio each summer to get hands-on experiences in a high-growth ag startup. As interns, they are valuable members of the Pivot Bio team and make lasting contributions on the company during their time here.
My name is Christelle Azar, and I am spending the summer interning with Pivot Bio’s Business Development department.
I grew up in the suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. My home country is involved in a different type of agriculture than most of our Pivot Bio customers, with our major products being fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, olives, oranges, peaches, and lemons. Lebanon also produces wheat, which falls a little more in line with Pivot Bio’s makeup.
After studying Computer and Communications Engineering at the American University of Beirut, I worked as a Management Consultant at Strategy&, part of the PwC network in the Middle East. The role helped me grow a desire to want to further my studies, so I traveled to New York City and attended Columbia Business School, graduating with my MBA this past spring.
Given my passion for sustainability, I wanted to find a role this summer where I could apply my skills from the business world with a company focused on sustainability. Once I learned about Pivot Bio’s contribution to reducing GHG emissions, I knew there could be a potential fit with the Business Development opening.
In my research heavy role, I seek out new potential partners, research best practices and case studies, and support work in new potential markets. I also help develop frameworks to support the strategic work of the business development team.
Along the way, I have learned a lot about the agricultural space. This summer, my team went on a field visit to St. Louis and met with our team on the field. Seeing how the product works in the field and replaces synthetic fertilizer was truly eye opening.
In the days ahead, I hope to learn more about the different business development activities, including product ideation and partner relations development.
