Global Communications Internship Experience at Merck

"I can't believe how quickly this summer has flown by!" Captioned Jamie Lawlor , our Program Lead. My internship as a Global Communications Intern at Merck was both incredible and remarkable!

Over the past few months, I was privileged to participate in four career-impactful rotations in Employee Leadership and Communication, Corporate Communications and Reputation, Global Media Relations, and Digital Branding.

Notably, I was able to meet passionate and like-minded individuals who championed the efforts of effective communication and storytelling.

Always up for a picture, some of the highlights from this experience were Merck's fabulous Rahway Fest and Ribbon Cutting event, which marked the reimagining and reopening of our new Headquarters at Rahway, New Jersey.

In addition to taking diversity and inclusion photos and being inspired by our Chief Communication Officer Cristal Downing , she is such an inspiration and absolutely amazing to be around. I was so inspired during our meet and greet that I was lost for words. I didn't have any questions to ask after our conversation, which was so shocking to my colleagues in global communications. What stood out to me was her advice: "Working in global comms, you should try to understand the business in order to effectively communicate and correctly transfer the information to fellow employees and stakeholders."

Moreover, I had the opportunity to meet our Chief Human Resource Officer, Steven Mizell , who equipped me with some amazing tools and advice for the future. During our conversation, what stood out to me was his business acumen and profound analogy on the difference between a mentor, sponsor, and advocate and maximizing corporate infrastructure. Merck is so great to have leaders like Cristal Downing and Steven Mizell inspire the next generation.

Furthermore, I learned more about myself, my strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, more transferable skills, and that I am a formal writer versus an informal writer. I am a strategic and creative thinker when developing ideas and being my authentic self in sharing my passion.

For me, Merck is definitely the place to be during the summer because of the vibrancy of its corporate culture and the supportiveness of its community. Merck is like a village with diverse talent and a big pool of enthusiasm. The love and passion that stems from each individual is breathtaking. Merck is love, #MerckProud.

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who believed in me and facilitated the successful accomplishment of this internship. Your encouragement and support have been invaluable, and I couldn't have asked for a better team to work with—much appreciation and gratitude to Quyen Lam Yuen for providing us with such a mind-blowing experience. Kudos to our Program Manager, Jamie Lawlor , my manager, Jeanette L. , my chosen mentor, Jason McCree , and my corporate godmother, Kerry Maslanka, MBA , full of knowledge and laughter. Melissa Kocis , Melissa Moody , Vishakha Mathur , Patrick R. , John Cardoza , Judith Lopez , Miranda Swanson , Leland Laury , Veronica Trulin , Michael Levey , Tanisha L. Jones, MBA , Michelle Vellucci Vames , Haley Otman , Constantine Frangos , John Jankowski , Ryan Maguire , Cara Kenefick , Ingrid Medina , Amy Schmelz , the team and those whom I forgot to mention, please share my thanks and appreciation.