Her Tokyo internship showed her the future of healthcare

10 Feb Her Tokyo internship showed her the future of healthcare

When Boston College senior Nia Mitchell landed her internship at Cardio Flow Design Inc., a medical technology company based in Tokyo, she knew she was stepping into something new, a world where biology and innovation intertwine.

Nia and fellow students in her internship abroad program

As a Biology major on the pre-med track, Nia was already well-versed in the science behind the human body. But this internship allowed her to see how that knowledge could be applied in unexpected ways, through technology that helps doctors better understand and improve cardiovascular health.

“Interning at a medical technology company provided me with numerous opportunities to gain insight into the company’s significance in hospitals and to improve the lives of many,” Nia shared. “I was able to see how my college studies prepared me for real-world experiences.”

Cardio Flow Design specializes in cardiovascular analysis, creating tools that simulate blood flow to provide support during diagnosis and surgical planning. For someone who dreams of entering the medical field, it was an eye-opening experience, one that showed Nia how technology can be just as vital as medicine in saving lives.

Bridging science and innovation

At first glance, Nia’s background in biology might seem far from software and data visualization. But her curiosity and adaptability helped her find her footing quickly. Interestingly, she had already taken courses in tech, and having that context proved unexpectedly useful in understanding the digital tools the company used.

Nia and her teammates at Cardio Flow Design

Her internship wasn’t limited to observing or assisting in research, though. She took an active role in promoting and advertising the company, helping expand its reach and build connections with hospitals and partners not just in Tokyo but across different countries.

“The project that stood out to me the most was the opportunity to network and involve more countries and hospitals in understanding and potentially utilizing the service [Cardio Flow Design] offers,” Nia explained. “I believe I was part of something bigger than myself in helping this goal become more attainable.”

Through this project, she learned how the company’s technology could be used globally to improve patient outcomes, a realization that made her even more excited about the future of medical innovation.

Learning beyond the classroom

Nia’s internship at Cardio Flow Design gave her a new perspective on how biology and technology can work hand in hand. Seeing how medical knowledge can be applied through digital tools and software made her realize that healthcare innovation goes far beyond traditional lab work or clinical practice.

Her role allowed her to connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. Understanding cardiovascular systems helped her appreciate the importance of accurate blood flow simulations, and she gained insight into how the company’s technology could aid doctors in diagnosis and treatment planning.

In an interview with Cardio Flow Design, Nia said, “My favorite part about my internship is the people I have met. The company is very close knit and helpful to everyone.”

On the less technical end of things, Nia’s internship also helped strengthen her soft skills, from communication and teamwork to adaptability and time management.

“The ability to work in an office environment and connect with my supervisor, despite language barriers, allowed us to still achieve many goals together,” she said.

Thriving in Tokyo

Outside the office, Nia immersed herself fully in Tokyo life. She explored neighborhoods, tried out local cuisine, and formed friendships with fellow interns and locals.

You can’t visit Japan without meeting the deers!

She describes her time abroad as a period of growth. Living independently in a fast-paced city like Tokyo required her to adapt, plan her days carefully, and step outside her comfort zone.

“I was able to thrive, grow my independence, and strengthen my ability to navigate and plan my life,” she shared. “Working in Japan allowed me to better my own lifestyle as I pursue post-graduation opportunities.”

Through both work and everyday experiences, navigating Tokyo’s iconic public transport, ordering in Japanese, or exploring the city’s balance of tradition and innovation, Nia gained a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and professionalism.

With friends she’d made through the program

“I learned a great deal about myself and have grown into a better person. Not only did I gain working experience in a great company, but I also made some fantastic new friends, traveled to new places, and experienced a world outside my own,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post.

Lessons for the future

Nia’s story reminds us that learning doesn’t stop in the classroom or the lab. Sometimes, the biggest growth happens when you step into a completely new environment that challenges how you think, communicate, and solve problems.

Now back in Boston, Nia carries those lessons with her as she prepares for graduation. She sees her Tokyo internship not just as a professional milestone, but as a personal turning point, one that broadened her understanding of what it means to help others through science and innovation.

If you’re considering an internship abroad, Nia’s experience is proof that combining passion, curiosity, and courage can lead to the most transformative growth, both personally and professionally.

Let’s talk about how an international internship can help you grow beyond academics. Send us a message today!