MERCK’S MISSION IS TO DISCOVER, DEVELOP, AND PROVIDE INNOVATE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES THAT SAVE AND IMPROVE LIVES AROUND THE WORLD. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS SUPPLIED BY KORY ROBERTS, SENIOR RECRUITING AND STAFFING CONSULTANT AND THE VETERAN TALENT AND INCLUSION LEAD AND JENNIFER EWANIUK, SENIOR RECRUITING AND STAFFING CONSULTANT, WITH A FOCUS ON DIVERSITY RECRUITING, INCLUDING RECRUITING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

 

BEFORE COMING TO MERCK, ROBERTS WAS A SENIOR LEADER IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY AND RETIRED AFTER 20 YEARS OF SERVICE. DURING HIS TIME IN THE MILITARY, ROBERTS SERVED GLOBALLY AS BOTH AN ENGINEER AND RECRUITER. ROBERTS HAS BEEN WITH MERCK SINCE 2012 AND TOOK ON RESPONSIBILITY AS THE VETERAN TALENT AND INCLUSION LEAD INAUGUST OF 2013.

 

EWANIUK WORKED IN THE LAB FOR THREE YEARS BEFORE MAKING THE TRANSITION TO BEING A RECRUITER IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY 12 YEARS AGO. SHE HAS BEEN AT MERCK FOR SIX YEARS AND HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT EVERY DIVISION OF THE COMPANY. IN APRIL 2013, SHE TOOK ON HER CURRENT DIVERSITY RECRUITING ROLE. SHE IS ALSO IS A MEMBER OF MERCK’S DIFFERENTLY ABLE EMPLOYEE BUSINESS RESOURCE GROUP (EBRG).

 

CAREERS & the disabled: What are your job responsibilities at Merck?

Merck: As the Veteran and Differently Able representatives, our job is to ensure that there are avenues for our staffing consultants to hire as many qualified people in these spaces as possible. We also focus on communicating Merck’s commitment to all stakeholders both within and outside of Merck.

 

CAREERS & the disabled: How does Merck reach out to recruit a diversified workforce, especially people with disabilities and Wounded Warriors?

Merck: Merck has many ways that we communicate our commitment to people with disabilities and Wounded Warriors. These include our involvement with several external groups such as the 100,000 Jobs Mission, Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities (COSD), and the National Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes. We also coordinate and attend different events to identify potential talent and further promote Merck’s brand as an employer of choice.

 

CAREERS & the disabled: Does Merck sponsor diversity councils or affinity groups for its employees?

Merck: Yes, Merck sponsors many different EBRGs and both the Veteran and Differently Able have a robust membership that holds regular meetings and events within and outside the company. Other EBRGs include African Ancestry, Asia Pacific, Hispanic/Latino, Interfaith, LGBT, Native American/Indigenous, and women.

 

CAREERS & the disabled:: What advice can you offer to college students about to enter the workforce?

Merck: The best advice we can give is to be honest and to be yourself during all phases of the hiring process. Make sure you ask questions so you understand the culture, job fit, dress code, etc. Have an up-to-date resume that highlights your strengths and practice interviewing. Always write thank-you notes to people with whom you interview. There is a great resource for students called jobipedia, which allows students to ask questions and obtain answers from people in the industry. (http://jobipedia.org/).

 

CAREERS & the disabled: Does Merck participate in job fairs that are specifically targeted to members of minority groups?

Merck: Yes, Merck does attend events to identify potential talent and promote our brand as an employer of choice. Some examples of this are the National Society of Hispanic MBAs and the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers.

 

CAREERS & the disabled: Does Merck interact with professional organizations that foster diversity and inclusion initiatives?

Merck: Yes, we are active participants in various initiatives including the 100,000 Jobs Mission; National Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring our Heroes; and the U.S. Business Leadership Network/Disabilities At Work.

 

CAREERS & the disabled: What jobs are available at Merck?

Merck: Merck offers a variety of jobs at all levels, visit www.merck.com/careers to learn more.

 

CAREERS & the disabled: How can our readers post their resumes online?

Merck: Visit www.merck.com/careers to search and apply for jobs online.