Merck & Co., Inc.

Packaging Technology Co-op

June 2020 • West Point, PA

What I liked

I love the culture Merck has. Although I’m an intern, I’ve gotten opportunities on big projects and learned so much. The team I’m currently in have been so helpful and kind. It’s always a good time working here as a co-op.

What I wish was different

My co-op was remote so I wish I could meet everyone in person and see the site. Do more things hands on.

Advice

Ask a lot of questions and reach out when you have questions on your project. It’s better to ask, learn, and understand the process rather than getting it wrong and it becoming a struggle.

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Facility Start-Up Intern

May - August 2020 • Durham, NC

What I liked

I enjoyed having an internship in something that I've generally spent my college career studying for. It was really interesting seeing how a pharmaceutical company works to operate in such a large scale which is not something that we focus on in school. In addition, I loved the level of project work that came in teams; they really value doing regular meetings, check-ins, to make sure that you are on track and get the help you need in order to finish your task.

What I wish was different

Though the site was at Durham, NC, our internships were all actually remote and we never really got to go into the site. It would've been easier to do a lot of this, almost all things, if it was in person. Whether that me the project, connecting with Merck employers (managers and other interns) , getting a return offer, etc.

Advice

Be open to making mistakes and learning. You are not expected to know everything jumping into an internship. Employers understand that and they make sure you know what you need to in order to succeed. People you work with will be very welcoming, at least at Merck they were, and are willing to talk to you if you need to do that.

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IT intern

June - August 2021 • Branchburg, NJ

What I liked

The people at Merck are so supportive and are great to work with.

What I wish was different

I wish I had a more challenging project to work on.

Advice

It really taught me the importance of advocating for myself and how to work with other people

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Manufacturing

May - August 2022 • Durham, NC

What I liked

Everyone very clearly valued and respected each other. We were encouraged to grow and challenge ourselves both at work and out of work. I learned a lot about the needs of managing a self-driven project that has many operating stakeholder parties; something I would be shocked to have in a university setting.

What I wish was different

My project had a very rough start. I welcomed and tackled the problem as a great learning opportunity. I do, however, think sometimes about how my project could have gone better if the initial input information had been examined ahead of my program.

Advice

In all things, there is an opportunity to learn and improve for your future self. At Merck, you will be challenged to tend to that change with projects that matter to patients of all backgrounds. To meet these challenges you will learn to be quick on your feet and how to tackle problems you haven't seen before.

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Investigative Toxicology Intern

May - August 2022 • Lansdale, PA

What I liked

There was a high level of mentorship, and availability for interns to explore their interests within the wide variety of roles in the company. The work felt meaningful.

What I wish was different

I wish there had been a housing stipend in addition to regular pay, because a large amount of my pay went to rent.

Advice

Take advantage of every networking opportunity and explore as many areas within the pharmaceutical industry as possible.

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Health Registration Managment

May - August 2023 • Rahway, NJ

What I liked

The managment

What I wish was different

More return offer opportunities

Advice

Network

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Associate specialist

October 2021 • De Soto, KS

What I liked

Great culture. People care. I get to work while I am in school.

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

Also take the opportunity to network, ask questions, and try new things.

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Enterprise Architect

June - August 2021 • Kenilworth, NJ

What I liked

The culture and work experience

What I wish was different

If it were in person not online

Advice

Try to learn ss much as you can

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Product Management Intern

June - August 2021 • Kenilworth, NJ

What I liked

I loved my manager. He always made sure I knew what was going on and gave me meaningful work I really enjoyed. Everybody at Merck was extremely nice and supportive, much nicer than I could have ever hoped for. Everyone was open to talking to me.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Reliability Engineer

April - October 2021 • West Point, PA

What I liked

Hands on experience

What I wish was different

Advice

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Technical Operations Intern

May - August 2021 • West Point, PA

What I liked

I really enjoyed working in a position that was close to customer and end of the pharmaceutical pipeline. It was really fulfilling to work on vaccines and products that impacted and improved people's lives.

What I wish was different

I wish I was able to take on more projects. I also wish more interns could've come to site. I believe that would've really enriched the experience.

Advice

Don't be afraid to ask for more to do and make sure to take advantage of the network available to you and retain those connections.

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Protein Engineering Intern

May - August 2022 • Rahway, NJ

What I liked

Great connections, friendly and helpful program hoping to support students in their post graduate journeys. Amazing experience that allowed me to be apart of influential research.