Merck's Hiring Policy: International Students' Opportunities

does merck hire international students

Merck offers a variety of career opportunities for students and graduates, including internships, graduate programs, and entry-level positions. The company has been recognized for its prestigious internship programs, which offer valuable experience in various disciplines and are open to students at all academic levels. Merck also provides MBA programs for those aspiring to work in brand marketing, finance, digital marketing, oncology, and other fields. With a focus on science and technology, Merck fosters an international and collaborative environment that promotes personal growth and development. The company welcomes individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in the healthcare industry.

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Internships

Merck offers internships and co-ops to students and recent graduates. The company has been recognised for the quality of its internship program, making the 2024 Yello Top 100 Internship Programs List and receiving a Handshake Early Talent Award for three consecutive years.

Merck offers internships to students at all academic levels, including MBA candidates. Internships at Merck are typically 10–12 weeks long, taking place between June and August. Interns are paid and are given the freedom to take responsibility for their own tasks and projects from the start.

Merck internships are available in a variety of disciplines, including science, business, engineering, IT, brand marketing, finance, digital marketing, and oncology. The company also offers internships in research & development, marketing, clinical regulatory affairs, medical affairs, manufacturing & quality assurance, policy & communications, digital data & analytics, sales, supply chain, human resources, business support, human health, and animal health.

Applying for an Internship

To apply for an internship at Merck, international students must obtain work authorization by working with their school's Designated School Official (DSO) and present it to Merck before their internship start date.

Merck provides resources to help interns with their transition, including a guide with tips for securing housing, information about temporary accommodation options, and access to internhousing.com, where interns can search for potential roommates and listings tailored for interns.

Locations

Most of Merck's internship roles are based in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but the company also hires candidates in Massachusetts, California, North Carolina, Virginia, and other locations depending on the positions available.

Reviews

Reviews from former interns at Merck are generally positive, with many highlighting the supportive and friendly culture, the flexibility, and the valuable learning and networking opportunities. However, some interns mentioned that the pay was low and that there were no social activities planned for interns.

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Graduate programs

Merck offers a range of graduate programs for students and recent graduates looking to start their careers in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry.

Internships

Merck offers internships for students to gain experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. The U.S. internship program typically lasts 10-12 weeks between June and August, and interns are paid and provided with resources to help secure short-term housing. Interns work alongside talented scientists on meaningful projects and receive mentorship and support from their managers and departments.

Co-ops

Co-ops at Merck join for four to six months and are also paid. Like interns, co-ops receive support in securing housing and are exposed to the drug development pipeline, working on meaningful projects with talented scientists.

MBA Programs

Merck offers MBA programs for students looking to transition into the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. These programs are available for those seeking careers in brand marketing, finance, digital marketing, oncology, and other areas.

ETR Program

The ETR Program is a full-time, entry-level job rotation opportunity for recent bachelor's and master's graduates interested in advancing healthcare through technology. Participants support three different groups in information technology, developing technical, business, and professional capabilities.

While Merck does not offer visa sponsorship for internship or co-op roles, they do provide resources and support for international students in their search for housing and work authorization. Additionally, global background checks are conducted for newly hired employees.

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Student positions

Merck offers a variety of student positions, including internships, co-ops, and working student roles. The company also provides opportunities for students to write their Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD theses. Merck's student positions offer valuable experience and the chance to work alongside talented scientists on meaningful projects.

Internships

Merck offers internships that typically last 10–12 weeks between June and August. Interns at Merck can gain experience in various fields, including science and technology, as well as brand marketing, finance, digital marketing, and oncology. The company provides resources and support to interns, including assistance in finding housing and transportation options. Merck's internship program has been recognized as one of the best for engaging Gen Z talent early and providing an exceptional learning experience for future leaders and innovators.

Co-ops

Co-ops at Merck join the company for four to six months, with dates that can be flexible depending on the student's academic institution or functional area of expertise. Co-ops work on projects alongside scientists and benefit from the company's open and collaborative culture.

Working Student Positions

Merck offers working student positions that allow students to take responsibility for their own tasks and projects from the start. These positions provide an excellent opportunity for personal growth and development while working in an international and interdisciplinary team environment.

Thesis Opportunities

Students can also collaborate with Merck on their Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD theses. This allows students to bring their ideas to life and contribute to the company's innovative culture.

Graduate Programs

Merck also offers graduate programs for students who have completed their degrees. These programs provide a great opportunity for students to gain experience, grow their network, and contribute to life-changing science and technology initiatives.

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Housing support

Merck understands that relocating for an internship or co-op placement can be a significant transition, and is committed to supporting interns in their search for safe and affordable housing. The company provides a range of resources to assist interns with their housing needs, including:

  • A comprehensive guide with tips for securing housing, to help interns navigate the process and make informed decisions.
  • Information about temporary accommodation options, recognising that interns may need short-term solutions while they settle in and explore long-term housing options.
  • Access to internhousing.com, a dedicated platform tailored to interns and co-op students. Here, interns can search for potential roommates and browse housing listings that cater specifically to their needs.
  • Additional housing resources, recognising that interns may have unique requirements or face challenges in their housing search.
  • Information on local transportation options, helping interns understand their travel options and make informed decisions about their living arrangements.
  • Tips for first-time renters, empowering interns who may be new to the rental process to confidently secure suitable housing.

While Merck provides interns with access to internhousing.com, it is important to note that the company does not review or approve any housing options or potential roommates found on the website. Interns are advised to exercise caution when selecting rental properties or roommates, just as they would in any other context. Additionally, interns can email [email protected] to receive a list of local university housing options, along with details including dates, pricing, and contact information.

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Entry-level jobs

Merck offers a variety of entry-level jobs and internships for students and recent graduates. The company has been recognised for its internship programmes, winning a Handshake Early Talent Award for being one of the best companies for today's generation of future talent. Merck also received a special designation as a Tech Transformer, for being a great place to launch a career in tech.

The company offers internships in various disciplines, including the bio-pharmaceutical industry, providing hands-on learning and valuable professional and personal experience. These internships are typically 10-12 weeks long and are open to students at all academic levels. Merck also offers co-op opportunities, which last four to six months, where students can work alongside talented scientists on meaningful projects.

For those seeking entry-level positions, Merck offers direct entry positions and graduate programs. The company welcomes students from all levels of the academic journey, providing an international environment that promotes personal growth and development while expanding professional networks.

Merck also has a variety of MBA programs available for students with career aspirations in brand marketing, finance, digital marketing, oncology, and other fields. The company prioritises ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) across its business, strategically embedding ESG actions throughout its operations.

Overall, Merck provides a range of opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain experience and contribute to its innovative and collaborative culture.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Merck offers internships to international students. The company provides resources to help interns find safe and affordable housing during their stay. Merck also offers a premier internship program in the biopharmaceutical industry, which lasts 10-12 weeks between June and August.

International students applying for internships at Merck are responsible for obtaining their own work authorization (CPT/OPT/Stem OPT) by working with their school's Designated School Official (DSO). This must be presented to Merck at least two weeks before the internship start date. Additionally, a global background check is conducted on all new hires, which includes a background screen and a drug screen.

Yes, Merck offers a variety of opportunities for international students, including co-ops, working student positions, and graduate programs. The company welcomes students from all academic levels and backgrounds to join their dynamic and collaborative environment.

Interning at Merck as an international student offers valuable experience in a global company at the forefront of science and technology. Interns can work on meaningful projects with talented professionals and contribute to Merck's innovative culture. The company also provides a supportive environment, fostering dedication and passion, and allowing interns to realize their ideas.

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